Tester statement on deployment of Montana National Guard troops

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senator Jon Tester, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today released the following statement in response to news that the U.S. Department of Defense plans to deploy about 700 members of the Montana National Guard to support “Operation New Dawn” in Iraq.

“Sharla and I join all Montanans in supporting Montana’s National Guard troops as they prepare to serve our country in Iraq.  These men and women and their families will be in our thoughts and prayers.  We’re proud of their service and sacrifice.

“While these soldiers are answering the call of duty, we’ll do our part to make sure they have the resources they need to get the job done safely and effectively.  When they come home, we’ll help them adjust back to civilian life with their families.  And we’ll make sure they all have access to the quality health care they earned.”

The Montana National Guard’s Soldiers 163rd Cavalry soldiers are part of the 116th Cavalry Brigade Team, which is commanded by the Idaho National Guard.  They are expected to deploy to Iraq this fall.