~ Wanted to express state’s appreciation “face-to-face” to Guard and military members overseas ~

It was announced today that Governor Tim Pawlenty is in the Middle East to visit with Minnesota National Guard members, active duty military members and reservists serving in Iraq.

Governor Pawlenty traveled with Lieutenant General H. Steven Blum, Chief of the National Guard Bureau. As Chief, Gen. Blum is the senior uniformed National Guard officer responsible for formulating, developing and coordinating all policies, programs and plans affecting more than half a million Army and Air National Guard personnel.

Governor Pawlenty was also joined on the trip by Governor Janet Napolitano (D-Arizona) and Governor Brad Henry (D-Oklahoma), who were there to visit with their state’s military members in Iraq. Before leaving Washington, D.C. for Iraq, the governors had meetings with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace.

Governor Pawlenty requested the trip after learning that approximately 2,600 Minnesotans in the 1st Brigade Combat Team were having their tour of duty extended. These soldiers and airmen were scheduled to complete their deployment to Iraq in March, but their tour was extended by up to 125 days.

“I wanted to express face-to-face our state’s continued appreciation and respect for the men and women from Minnesota who are serving here under very difficult circumstances,” Governor Pawlenty said. “We want them to know we continue to think of them and their families. They are awesome people and make Minnesota proud.”

In Iraq, Governor Pawlenty, Governor Napolitano and Governor Henry met with General David Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq. Governor Pawlenty then traveled separately to Balad, north of Baghdad, and to Tallil, in the south. In Balad he had breakfast with troops at Camp Anaconda and visited with members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team and other units.

In Tallil he had lunch with the 134th Brigade Support Battalion, was briefed by 1st Brigade Combat Team leaders and held a town hall meeting with the 1/34 Brigade Troops Battalion, 1-125 Strike Soldiers and other Minnesota military members in the area.

Governor Pawlenty encouraged every Minnesotan to find a way to express support for the troops and their families. He suggested that Minnesotans:

• Sign up for First Lady Mary Pawlenty’s Military Family Care Initiative by visiting http://www.firstlady.state.mn.us/initiatives_militaryfamily.html
• Buy a “Support Our Troops” license plate
• Help an organization geared towards assisting the military or veterans
• Donate money to the Minnesota Military Family Foundation or the Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund
• Send a letter or postcard to those stationed overseas
• Attend an event like a deployment or welcome home ceremony
• Pick up the tab at a restaurant for one of these heroes or their families
• If you see them around town, stick out your hand, shake their hand, look them in the eye, and give them heartfelt thanks from a fellow Minnesotan

Governor Pawlenty will be returning home this weekend.

The Governor is holding a conference call with reporters today regarding his trip to Iraq.