Over 3,000 Tennessee National Guard Members will be soon headed to Iraq. Many are now at Camp Shelby in Mississippi to get final training and orders prior to their scheduled deployment in Iraq.

Among this group are over 100 National Guard members from the Clarksville/Montgomery and Springfield areas of Tennessee.

As many of us are winding down our work schedules and civilian duties so as to prepare for some time with family and friends this holiday season let’s be sure to keep in mind the sacrifice these brave folks make for their state and nation. It is especially hard on them and their families around this time.

Our state of Tennessee has always been first to volunteer for tough tasks and challenges throughout our nation’s history. Since the Iraq war began Tennessee has certainly bore its share and more so of the burden of this conflict. I again not only salute our fellow Tennesseans as they prepare for deployment but also strongly urge our leaders in Washington DC to seek ways to even better provide support and services to the families of our soldiers both around this time and to the future.

Please join me in also asking that this most recent group of soldiers be blessed as they prepare for duty in Iraq and return to us and their families safely.