Saturday, April 12, 2008
Governor Culver Visits Iowa Troops In Kosovo
(Camp Bondsteel , Kosovo) Today, Governor Chet Culver traveled to Kosovo with the Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, Major General Ron Dardis, to visit with Iowa troops, and to thank them for their service to Iowa and to the country.
During a conference call with Iowa reporters, Governor Culver said: “I’m honored to be here with over 300 Iowa Guardsmen and women from 14 cities across the state.” The Governor continued: “Troop morale is high, and spirits are very good.”
Governor Culver, accompanied by Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota , traveled to Pristina, Kosovo, on Saturday morning, from Andrews Air Force Base in Washington , D.C. Upon arrival, the Governor flew by helicopter to Camp Bondsteel , and to the City of Gnjilane , where he visited with city and regional officials. The Governor then toured the area, and met with Iowa soldiers responsible for security to the region. Of the roughly 1400 American troops in Kosovo, over 300 are members of the Iowa National Guard.
On Saturday evening, Governor Culver conducted a town hall meeting with Iowa Guard members. The Governor said: “The troops here are doing an outstanding job, and the reason for this trip is to thank them. We will continue to do everything we can to make sure the resources and services are there for the soldiers when they return home.”
Kosovo is currently the second largest overseas duty location for members of the Iowa National Guard. The Iraqi theater is the largest, with 550 active duty personnel serving.