Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 7, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact:  Col. Rick Patterson, Washington Military Department, 253-512-8481

Gov. Gary Locke Salutes 81st Brigade at Departure Ceremony

Governor Proclaims ‘Washington Army National Guard’s 81st Armor Brigade Day’

Gov. Gary Locke today thanked the Washington Army National Guard’s 81st Armor Brigade for its dedication and heroism at a deployment departure ceremony for the soldiers and their families at the Tacoma Dome.

Locke joined Lt. Gen. Edward Soriano, commanding general of Fort Lewis, Maj. Gen. Timothy J. Lowenberg, adjutant general for the Washington National Guard and approximately 15,000 family and friends in honoring the brigade members, who will soon be departing for Iraq.

Locke proclaimed Feb. 7, 2004, “Washington Army National Guard’s 81st Armor Brigade Day,” and urged Washington residents to pay tribute, and keep in their thoughts and prayers, the men and women of the 81st Armor Brigade and their loved ones.

“On behalf of the people of Washington, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for defending our security, our freedoms and our way of life,” Locke said. “We salute your strength of character and dedication to duty. We owe you a debt of gratitude we can never repay.”

Locke also thanked the families of the departing soldiers for their sacrifices. “Today we also honor the families of the 81st Brigade,” Locke said. “With this deployment, you answer the call of duty as well. And we thank you, too, for the sacrifices you have made.”

The Washington Army National Guard’s 81st Brigade is comprised of more than 4,000 soldiers, 3,200 of whom are based in Washington. This is the largest deployment of Washington National Guard personnel since World War II.

“The greatest consolation in these uncertain times lies in the inspiration and hope that soldiers like you give to the rest of us,” Locke said. “The calm and uncomplaining way with which you and your families bear the rigors of service inspires us.”

The 81st Brigade was mobilized Nov. 15, 2003. Its deployment is expected to last approximately 18 months, 12 of which will be spent in Iraq.

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Related links: www.governor.wa.gov; www.washingtonguard.com

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