Gov. Gregoire offers steadfast support to soldiers of I Corps and Stryker Brigades

For Immediate Release: September 30, 2008

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today offered her support to Fort Lewis-based soldiers of the I Corps Headquarters Unit and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams on their pending deployment to Iraq.

Today�s deployment alert by the Department of Defense affects nearly 10,000 army troops from Fort Lewis who will support Operation Iraqi Freedom. The alert involves I Corps Headquarters Unit, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team and the 2nd Infantry Division.

�As more Fort Lewis soldiers are called to war, I continue my steadfast support of our soldiers and their loved ones,� Gregoire said. �The courage and commitment of the men and women who serve our country so selflessly is inspiring. They have the gratitude and praise of their families, communities and fellow citizens.�

Gregoire has demonstrated her unwavering support of soldiers, veterans and their families by putting in place funding and programs to assist veterans. These programs include maintaining benefits and transitional services for veterans through the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Innovations Program. This program provides emergency financial assistance as well as employment and educational support as soldiers transition to civilian employment.

Once deployed, the I Corps Headquarters Unit will provide command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in support of security operations in Iraq. The Stryker brigade combat teams will replace formations now on the ground.

The troops will deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during the spring and summer of 2009. This mission will mark the 3rd Stryker Brigade�s third tour in Iraq, and I Corps� and 5th Stryker Brigade�s first deployment there.

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