Departure to Iraq ceremony is tomorrow for 3,000 Mn Natl Guard

[katinmn]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=2168756&mesg_id=2168756
Steak Dinner Today For Soldiers Heading For Iraq

(AP) Camp Shelby, Miss. Minnesota National Guard members and their families will be treated to a steak picnic today at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, as they prepare to head for Iraq.

There'll also be music by Minnesota bands in the event sponsored by the St. Paul-based volunteer group called Serving Our Troops. Gov. Pawlenty will be there, along with U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton and some legislative leaders.

The departure ceremony is scheduled tomorrow, and Pawlenty is one of the speakers.

snip
It's the largest deployment of Minnesota National Guard soldiers since World War II.

Related:
http://wcco.com/local/local_story_045165757.html
Camp Shelby Plans Sendoff For Minnesota Brigade
AP) Jackson, Miss. Graduation day is rapidly approaching for thousands of Iraq-bound troops from Minnesota, and military trainers at Camp Shelby are already preparing for their next class of soldiers from more than a dozen states.

The 4,000 member 34th Brigade Combat Team, made up primarily of Minnesota National Guard soldiers, is at Fort Polk in Louisiana now but will return to Camp Shelby for a send off ceremony in March before heading to Iraq.

snip

[Minnesota Raindog]

1. Sadly, we can expect to see more Minnesotans listed here:

http://www.antiwar.com/casualties/

Thanks, BushCo and BushCo supporters.