The Blog

Governor Chris Gregoire

08/06/08

The men and women of the Washington 81st Brigade Combat Team are a brave reflection of Washington's finest. The soldiers of the Washington National Guard are our friends, neighbors and co-workers. Their dedication to leave their communities to serve our country is deserving of our respect and support.

Today I met with thousands of soldiers at the Yakima Training Center as they prepared to deploy to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.

These soldiers answer our domestic emergency needs as well as support U.S. missions in conflicts around the world. I applaud their courage and bravery as they deploy, and acknowledge the families, friends and colleagues who support them.

The soldiers of the 81st are scheduled to be on federal active duty for 12 months. Their focus will be on convoy security and force protection operations. The 81st also served in Iraq from March 2004 to March 2005.

The 81st Brigade is headquartered in Seattle, but is comprised of units from across the state and a battalion from the California Army National Guard. Approximately 2,400 citizen solders from Washington and about 900 from California make up the force.

I wish them all a safe journey, and to their families, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for their sacrifices during their loved ones deployment.