Governor proclaims July 2009 as the Oregon National Guard Month
By Erica RushCOOS BAY, Ore. -As thousands of men and women in the Oregon National Guard prepare for deployment overseas, local Guardsmen tell us how important it is to have the support of our local government and community. Governor Ted Kulongoski has proclaimed July 2009 as the Oregon National Guard Month, honoring the sacrifice and service of the troops and their families. In May of this year, local soldiers were mobilized, along with 2,500 others from 41st Brigade Combat Team, for duties in Iraq. And as the largest single mobilization of National Guard troops since World War II, fellow soldiers point out the importance of this recognition. "Having been deployed before myself, it's hard to leave," says Sgt. 1st Class Alpha Carle. "Most people don't think of the National Guard as deploying that much but for the last 4 or 5 years, it's been a huge part of the efforts. So it makes it easier to be there knowing that your community, family support you back here." But what's just as important as supporting your troops.. says Staff Sgt. James Mann with the Guard, is looking out for their families, who are left back at home. "It's good to know that other community members are supporting the families and taking care of them while service members are deployed," says Mann. "It takes a lot of load off of worrying about what's going on with your family back home if you know that family support people are taking care of them." Members of the Oregon National Guard, who are still training here in the United States, are expected to deploy to Iraq within the next couple of weeks. |
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February 8, 2012
- Coos Bay / North Bend, Oregon
