Gov. Gregoire welcomes home the 1-140th Aviation of the Washington Army National Guard

For Immediate Release: July 26, 2008

FORT LEWIS � Gov. Chris Gregoire today welcomed the Air Warriors of the Washington Army National Guard�s 1-140th Aviation as they return home. The force served a one-year tour as citizen soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

�I am honored to join your families, friends and colleagues in welcoming you home from your courageous duty abroad. You are truly our heroes,� Gregoire said. �Your commitment to the United States and our great state is exemplary, and we are all safer for it.�

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

"We are extremely proud of the way they performed. The 1-140th is a vital asset to both our state and federal mission, and I extend my gratitude to the families and employers of these brave citizen soldiers," stated Maj. Gen. Lowenberg, the state�s adjutant general.

Gregoire and Lowenberg commended the Washington National Guard for serving proudly and with great distinction. She called on all citizens to recognize the value and dedication of a strong force as it relates to the viability, economy, safety, security, and well-being of this state.

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