Wednesday, August 6, 2008 - Page updated at 04:35 PM

Gregoire meets with soldiers before deployment

Gov. Chris Gregoire met with thousands of soldiers at the Army's Yakima Training Center as the soldiers prepare to deploy to Iraq.

YAKIMA, Wash. —

Gov. Chris Gregoire met with thousands of soldiers at the Army's Yakima Training Center as the soldiers prepare to deploy to Iraq.

The Washington National Guard's 81st Brigade is headquartered in Seattle, but is composed of units from around the state and a battalion from the California Army National Guard. About 2,400 soldiers from Washington and 900 from California make up the force.

The 81st previously served in Iraq in 2004. In their upcoming 12-month assignment, the soldiers will provide convoy security and force protection.

Gregoire praised the group's work during her Wednesday visit and urged Washington citizens to support the soldiers and their families in the coming months.

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