Idaho Governor upholds promise to Idaho National Guard

Photo By Staff Sgt. Marcos Alices | Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne signs a decorated Kevlar helmet for Spc. Kent M. Parker, a 116th Brigade Combat Team power generator mechanic, on his visit to the troops at Camp Victory, Kuwait, Oct. 22.  

ARJIFAN, KUWAIT

11.01.2005

Courtesy Story

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Spc. Marcos Alices Kinch
CFLCC PAO

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- Wearing an opened blue dress shirt and with his legs dangling off the side of the helicopter, the state governor gazed into the desert terrain. On his second trip to the Middle East, he had come to uphold a promise he had made to Soldiers who were leaving the States during the week of Thanksgiving last year.

Governor Dirk Kempthorne, commander in chief of the Idaho National Guard, visited members of the 116th Brigade Combat Team at Camp Victory Oct. 22 as they prepared for their trip back to the United States. He will also visit Soldiers in Kirkuk, Iraq.

"I think any time you can demonstrate that your support is more than just wishing (Soldiers) well, but to be there whenever you can means something to them. It also (shows) the family that this outreach program is real," said Kempthorne.

The purpose of the governor's visit was to continue to demonstrate the state's support for the troops. Since the announcement of the unit's mobilization, the governor has been involved with the Military Emergency Relief Fund. The fund is a program that provides assistance to the families of deployed Idaho National Guard members through interest-free loans or grants.

He has also shown his support for the Soldiers" families by sending a letter to all Idaho medical organizations to ask them to accept TRICARE, the military health plan. At the time of the unit's mobilization, few medical organizations accepted the health plan. The acceptance rate increased dramatically after the governor's letter.

Kempthorne believes the Soldiers deserve all the attention he can give them for their sacrifice as both citizens and Soldiers. He took the opportunity during his visit to shake each Soldier's hand and reward each of them with a coin adorned with the Idaho state seal and 116th BCT patch. As the soldiers packed their gear and equipment, they made sure to take five to ten minutes of their time to shake the governor's hand. Kempthorne left the Middle East Oct. 24 after visiting the 116th BCT area of responsibility, Kirkuk, Iraq.

"I am not from Idaho, but I am a member of this brigade and to see the governor come out to show his support for this brigade means a great deal to me and my fellow soldiers," said Spc. Kent M. Parker, a 145th Support Battalion Company B power generator mechanic.

After serving a year in Kirkuk, Iraq the 116th BCT is returning home. With component units from Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Utah, North Dakota, New Jersey and Maryland, the 116th is one of several Army National Guard units deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The primary mission for the 116th was to assist Iraqis with economic development, support the Iraqi government, and establish and support security and communications. According to Kempthorne, the BCT should all return by mid-November.

"I think first and foremost is to respect what homecoming means and that is to let them be a family again; let them have time together," said Kempthorne.

As the 116th arrives home in waves of 300 to 500, they will receive a hero's welcome at their airports because they deserve it, said Kempthorne. Throughout the state, each battalion and unit will have their own homecoming ceremonies. The brigade will reassemble next year at annual training and have a celebration of thanks, according to Kempthorne.

"They have completed their journey, their duty; and on the behalf of the state, I want to say thank you, well done and God bless you," said Kempthorne.

Kempthorne has shown his support for the troops since they were initially mobilized. He was there to shake each Soldier's hand as they boarded the aircraft in Louisiana in November of last year, and he made a promise to visit the Soldiers in Iraq. He's kept his promise, and he will be at the base of that ramp when they come home.

• Date Taken: 11.01.2005
• Date Posted: 11.01.2005 13:42
• Story ID: 3560
• Location: ARJIFAN, KW