Tester statement on deployment of Montana Guardsmen

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement in response to today’s deployment of 572 members of the Montana National Guard’s 1-163rd Combined Arms Battalion, who will soon be serving in Operation New Dawn in Iraq:

“On behalf of the United States of America and Montana, my deepest thanks to the men and women of the 1-163rd.

“As Americans, we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers every day.  As Montanans, we’ll wait for your safe return home.  And as your senator, I’ll do my part to see that you have every resource you need to do your job effectively and safely.  Just as important, we will do our part to make sure you have the resources you need when you come home as veterans.

“Our thanks also to your wives and husbands, kids and parents, and to all those saying goodbye today.  We know that a tour overseas is a sacrifice for the whole family.  As a community, we will support them while you are away.

“We look forward to welcoming you back home.  God bless you.”