November 29, 2006
Wednesday AM

For some this is their second homecoming in four months, but this one feels much better. Soldiers with the U.S. Army 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, based out of Fort Wainright, Alaska, have finished a 16-month deployment supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Regarded as the most effective brigade in theater, the 172nd served in Mosul and in Baghdad, one of the most dangerous areas of the country.

"I am so proud of these soldiers and their families for protecting our freedom," Governor Frank H. Murkowski said. "Many people have sacrificed in their personal lives in the past 16 months to make the world a better place and I can never thank our soldiers enough for their service."

Murkowski met with some of the Stryker Brigade soldiers when he visited Baghdad in July during a trip coordinated by the United States Department of Defense. Soldiers who were not on patrol dutifully lined up their vehicles for the governor's personal inspection and stood in formation, demonstrating success.

"I was so impressed by their commitment and dedication when I met them in the field," Murkowski said. "I came away knowing these men and women believe in their mission and were proud to provide this service not only to Americans, but to the Iraqis as well."

The governor has encouraged governor-elect Sarah Palin to attend the official welcome home ceremony at the Carlson Center on December 12 in Fairbanks.

Source of News:

Office of the Governor
www.gov.state.ak.us

 

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