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Joel Gross
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Sen. Klobuchar Goes to Fort McCoy and Meets with Returning National Guard Troops
July 23, 2007
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar visited Fort McCoy on Sunday, July 22, and met with Minnesota National Guard troops from the First Brigade Combat Team who had just returned from duty in Iraq.
Klobuchar joined Minnesota soldiers for lunch and received briefings on the First Brigade Combat Team’s mission and accomplishments.
“I was honored to meet with returning soldiers from dozens of communities throughout our state,” said Klobuchar. “They have done their duty and even more, as they have served and sacrificed for us. Now it’s our duty to make sure they get the full respect and benefits they have earned.”
About 1,500 Minnesota National Guard troops are currently at Fort McCoy as they undergo formal military demobilization and prepare to return to their home communities later this month.
The First Brigade Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Division just completed serving the longest tour of duty in Iraq of any U.S. military unit, active duty or reserve.
Last week the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a resolution, introduced by Sen. Klobuchar and Sen. Coleman, commending Minnesota’s returning National Guard soldiers on their completion of their duty in Iraq.
Klobuchar is also co-sponsoring several Congressional bills to strengthen support for the National Guard.
This includes legislation to expand the “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” program, which provides reintegration support and assistance to returning National Guard and Reserve soldiers and their families.
Klobuchar is also co-sponsoring the Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act, which would provide equitable educational benefits to the Selected Reserve (National Guard members and Reservists who are most ready and first to be mobilized). This bill directly addresses the problem of Guard members having to forfeit educational benefits when they leave the Guard.
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