Iowa Army National Guard soldiers deployed to the Middle East will get a paycheck despite the federal government shutdown.

“Per direction from the president, service members will continue to receive pay during this pay period,” Jackie Schmillen, director of public affairs for the Iowa National Guard, said in a written statement.

About 1,800 troops, including members of the 1st Battalion, 194 Field Artillery headquartered in Fort Dodge, are now in the Middle East. They left Iowa in May.

However, the financial news isn’t as good for National Guard employees classified as federal technicians. Some of them are civilians and some are uniformed. Schmillen said they will not be paid, even though some will be required to work throughout the government shutdown. About 700 people will not be paid. They will receive back pay once an appropriations bill is signed into law.

The Iowa National Guard has soldier and family readiness specialists who can connect affected personnel with available state or federal resources. The National Guard also has a State Emergency Assistance Fund to provide support to service members and their families.

Any National Guard member who needs help should call the Soldier and Family Readiness Office at 515-252-4781.