Governor Pawlenty Announces Plan to Balance State Budget Through Executive Actions

Press Release

Governor Pawlenty Meets With Minnesota Soldiers Serving in Iraq

~ Visits include soldiers in the Minnesota Red Bulls 34th Infantry Division commanding troops in 9 of Iraq's 18 provinces ~

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 was joined on the trip by Governor Jim Gibbons (R-Nevada), Governor Jay Nixon (D-Missouri), Governor Rick Perry (R-Texas) and Governor Pat Quinn (D-Illinois) who were there to visit with their state's military members in Iraq.

More than 1,000 Minnesota National Guard soldiers are overseeing coalition efforts in nine of Iraq's 18 provinces, an area roughly the size of their home state. The division commands more than 15,000 coalition forces on the ground. Headquartered in Basra, the mission of the Minnesota National Guard division is to transition security to the Iraqi Security Forces and to continue to build the capacity of civil government.

Governor Pawlenty received an operational overview from Major General Nash and staff, with a focus on an attack that killed three members of the Stillwater based 34th Military Police Company on Thursday, July 16. The Soldiers killed were Spc. Carlos Wilcox, 27, Cottage Grove; Spc. Daniel Drevnick, 22, Woodbury; and Spc. James Wertish, 20, Olivia. Governor Pawlenty visited with members of the 34th Military Police Company and offered condolences for their recent losses.

"Our state is blessed by the men and women in the military and their families," Governor Pawlenty said. "We owe our freedom and liberty to them. It's not enough to just say thank you. We must match our words with deeds. I am humbled to have the opportunity to express the gratitude of the people of Minnesota to our soldiers in person and to commit to them that we will do everything possible to recognize their commitment and sacrifice."

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.militaryfamilies.state.mn.us

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

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