~ Governor Pawlenty statement regarding the announcement of the Minnesota Army National Guard’s deployment to Iraq and Kuwait in summer 2011 ~

Saint Paul – The U.S. Department of Defense announced today the alert of approximately 2,700 Minnesota National Guard Soldiers to prepare for deployment. This would be the largest deployment of Minnesota National Guard Soldier since World War II. Approximately 2,600 soldiers from Minnesota deployed with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division in 2005.

The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding the announcement of the Minnesota Army National Guard’s deployment to Iraq and Kuwait in summer 2011:

“Every Minnesotan should be extraordinarily proud of these courageous and heroic soldiers. The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division served our state and nation with excellence during their previous deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom and they’ll do the same as part of Operation New Dawn. First Lady Mary Pawlenty and I are hopeful every Minnesotan will renew their commitment to supporting our military members and their families as they make great sacrifices to protect us.”