CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASA, Iraq — Maj. Gen. Rick Nash, commanding general of Multi-National Division — South and the Minnesota National Guard's 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Div. addressed attendees of the National Guard Association of the United States' 131st General Conference and Exhibition via satellite Sept. 12.
Nash emphasized the importance of citizen-Soldiers to military efforts around the world.
"It has been said that history tends to repeat itself, and this conflict is no different," said Nash. "The National Guard has a long, proud history of fighting overseas for the cause of liberty."
The annual event was hosted this year by the Tennessee National Guard and held in Nashville Sept. 11-13. More than 4,000 active and retired National Guard members discussed current events and their impact on the National Guard, while affording the opportunity for camaraderie and networking during special events and receptions.
NGAUS provides states and members unified representation by lobbying Congress and the executive branch on behalf of the Army and Air National Guard.
The conference theme was "The National Guard: An Investment of Dollars and Sense." Attendees also discussed issues including: overseas operations, domestic missions, military transformation, equipment modernization, defense budgets and Guard roles and missions.
Nash pointed out the hardships and determination of the National Guard members in his charge.
"Although the times are different, some things remain constant," said Nash. "We have a force of young men and women who toil in less than comfortable conditions a long way from home. They do this out of patriotism for their country and to help a people they had never met before arriving here."
| Date Taken: |
09.12.2009 |
| Date Posted: |
09.15.2009 05:08 |
| Story ID: |
38769 |
| Location: |
BASRA, IQ |
| Web Views: |
126 |
| Downloads: |
112 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, Commanding general addresses National Guard conference from Basra, by SSG Derek M. Smith, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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