Parents of Oregon National Guard member react to Israel-Iran tension

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The U.S. has a number of military bases and warships across the Middle East, with thousands of military personnel stationed on them — and many of them are from Oregon.

The Oregon National Guard tells KOIN 6 they have about 230 members currently mobilized in the Middle East in Iraq near Syria.

Amy and Bill Biggs’ daughter Beth is a captain in the Oregon National Guard, serving on the 41st infantry brigade combat team. They weighed in on the U.S. airstrikes on Iran, saying they were not surprised.

“When the first one came about… It was right after a drill… And so they were kind of like ‘What’s this?’ Then they realized this was not a drill,” Bill said. “So they’ve been in and out of their bunkers quite a bit recently.”

Many Americans are protesting the country’s involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, with multiple protests in the Portland area — President Donald Trump said Monday on social media that Israel and Iran have agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire” to be phased in over 24 hours.

“It would be my hope that others could understand, too, rather than rallying against it – that the bombing done in Iran was done for world safety,” Amy said.

The Biggs say they are looking forward to their daughter and the rest of her unit coming home.

The Oregon National Guard says they are scheduled to come home later this summer.