The Blog

Governor Chris Gregoire

07/25/08

On behalf of the citizens of Washington, I thank and commend the Air Warriors of the Washington Army National Guard’s 1-140th Aviation returning home from their courageous duty abroad. This force served a one-year tour as citizen soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Washington Army National Guard serves us proudly and with great distinction. They put their lives on the line, to protect our lives at home. They truly are our heroes. Their commitment to the United States and our great state is exemplary, and we are all safer for it. I want to recognize and sincerely thank these soldiers for their sacrifice, as well as recognize the sacrifice of the 1-140th families, employers, friends, and neighbors who all provide a critical support network for the men and women of our services.

The 1-140th deployed force consists of nearly 80 UH-60 pilots, aircrew members and maintenance crew soldiers from across the state of Washington. While deployed with the 2/147th Assault from the Minnesota Army National Guard, their mission focused on air assault operations, tactical air movement and support missions.

The citizen soldiers of the Washington Army National Guard are dedicated to the mission of safeguarding lives and property in Washington state, and serving as guards for freedom overseas.