November 28, 2005

LANSING – On Saturday, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm concluded a five-day trip to the Middle East where she met with hundreds of Michigan Army National Guard soldiers serving in the region. 
 
Granholm made the trip along with three other Governors: Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, Sonny Perdue of Georgia and Haley Barbour of Mississippi.  The visit was arranged at the invitation of the U.S. Departments of State and Defense.
 
“This visit was all about giving thanks to these tremendous soldiers who have made the tremendous sacrifice of putting their lives on hold for a year to serve our nation,” Granholm said today.  “They are unbelievable heroes and we owe them, along with their families who await their safe return, our support and prayers.”
 
Granholm began her journey in Washington, D.C. with briefings by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  After overnighting in Qatar on Wednesday, the Governor traveled to Kuwait where she served lunch to members of the 1072nd Maintenance company which includes soldiers from the Upper Peninsula and Detroit. Between meals, she was given a first hand look at their respective jobs on the base. 
 
On Friday, the Governor traveled by C-130 Cargo Plane and then by Blackhawk helicopter to the Sunni Triangle and a base that serves B Company 1st Battalion 125th Infantry out of Saginaw.  The unit is responsible for clearing a major supply route and has lost two soldiers during their tour of duty that began in July.
 
She also visited the 1073rd Maintenance Company from Greenville, the 107th Engineer Battalion unit from the Upper Peninsula, and the 1st Battalion 119th Field Artillery Battalion, which was on its way back to the United States after a year-long tour of duty. 
 
“It was great to be with our troops to let them know that Michigan is 100 percent behind them,” Granholm said.  “It was an honor to give thanks with them and for them.”
 
Upon her arrival home, Granholm spent hours calling family of soldiers who had asked her to deliver personal messages on their behalf. 
 
“In many cases our soldiers wanted me to tell their loved ones that they’ll be home soon,” Granholm said.