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 poses for a photo with Minnesota Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Marcia Dumancas and her daughter, Airman 1st Class Leilani Dumancas deployed from the 148th Fighter Wing at Duluth ANG Base to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Amie Dahl)