Lincoln Statement on 39th's Return Home

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 25, 2008
Contact: Katie Laning (202)224-4843

Washington – U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) released the following statement today regarding the commenced redeployment home of Arkansas’s 39th Infantry Brigade:

“Our Arkansas National Guard soldiers from the 39th Infantry Brigade begin their return home this Thanksgiving week after a courageous tour of duty in Iraq. Along with all Arkansans, I have been proudly awaiting their homecoming and I give thanks for the blessing of their safe return.

“These soldiers gave up the comforts of families, homes, and communities to bring a greater sense of security and stability to people they had never met, in a land a world away. Their courage and perseverance is to be admired by each one of us.

“The 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team includes Arkansans from 57 communities across the state and represents approximately one-third of Arkansas’s total force. With this second and most recent deployment of the 39th Brigade, the Arkansas National Guard will have supported the mobilization of more than 11,500 troops since September 11, 2001. Tragically, since that date, 24 Arkansas citizen soldiers have given their lives in the service of our nation, leaving our state with among the highest per capita number of Army National Guard fatalities. As a grateful nation, we remember with a heavy heart their ultimate sacrifice. During this holiday season, we give appreciation to them and to their families.

“Given our state’s unusual sacrifice in the war on terrorism, I believe we must do absolutely everything we can to provide for these troops and their families as they return home and transition back into their communities.  I will continue to place a priority on caring for our brave men and women in uniform and their families while honoring the benefits they have earned. 

“I thank each and every member of the 39th for a job well done. Welcome home, and let us all pray for the safe return of those who continue to fight for the freedom of all Americans.”     

–30–