2,800 N.J. guardsmen leave today for training

[unhappycamper]

2,800 N.J. guardsmen leave today for training
The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Jun 16, 2008 6:21:53 EDT

FORT DIX, N.J. — Their official sendoff over, about 2,800 New Jersey Guard troops are now deploying out. Their eventual destination is Iraq.

Soldiers of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team start leaving Monday. They’ll train for three months at Fort Bliss, Texas. Then they’re off to war for nine months.

It’s the largest deployment of National Guard troops from the Garden State since World War II.

Thousands of friends and family members bid the troops goodbye during a farewell ceremony at Fort Dix on Saturday.

“All of New Jersey anxiously awaits your safe return home,” Gov. Jon S. Corzine said during the ceremony.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/ap_newjersey_guard_061508/