Governor, National Guard Chief visit Minnesota Guardsmen deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- “I wanted to express face-to-face our state’s continued appreciation and respect for the men and women from Minnesota who are serving here under very difficult circumstances,” Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-Minn.) said. “We want them to know we continue to think of them and their families. They are awesome people and make Minnesota proud.” Above, the governor and National Guard Chief Lt. Gen. Steve Blum pose for a photo with Minnesota Guardsmen deployed from the 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth ANG Base, and assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Amie Dahl)