Governor Steve Beshear visited U.S. troopsserving in Iraq and Kuwait today, including troops from Kentucky, as
part of a special Department of Defense trip. The visit marks the first
time in recent history that a sitting Kentucky governor has visited an
active war zone. "In Kentucky, we truly appreciate and support the thousands of troops
from our home state who are serving in the far reaches of the world, whoprotect our nation's security and promote peace," said Gov. Beshear.
"When the Pentagon invited me on this trip, I jumped at the chance to
meet these troops face-to-face and tell them personally how much their
service means to us." More than 2,600 Kentucky servicemen and women are currently deployed to
Iraq and Kuwait. Approximately 1,000 troops are deployed from Ft.
Campbell, as well as an additional 140 troops from Ft. Knox. Nearly
1,500 Kentucky National Guard troops are serving in Iraq and Kuwait,
including the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. This brigade consists
of 1,467 soldiers from units in Louisville and Southeastern Kentucky,
and just deployed to the area this week. It is the largest mobilization
of Kentucky National Guard troops since World War II.
