Sun, 03 May 2026 01:26:03 +0000

Shocking Link Between National Guard and Rising Health Risks in Nebraska: What State Leaders Can’t Ignore Nebraska, like many Midwestern states, is facing an urgent but often overlooked public health challenge: growing health risks tied to structural changes within its military reserves—the National Guard. Recent studies reveal a disturbing link between increased Guard deployments, deployment-related stress, and rising chronic health conditions across communities. While National Guard service remains vital to national security, new evidence warns of unintended consequences threatening both service members and Nebraskans at large. ### The Hidden Toll of Military Deployments The Nebraska National Guard has seen heightened activity in recent years, with units stretched thin by mutual aid agreements, disaster response, and maintaining readiness for domestic emergencies. However, researchers have uncovered a startling connection: military personnel—especially those frequently deployed—face elevated risks for cardiovascular disease, PTSD, musculoskeletal disorders, and long-term mental health deterioration.