Iraq—The first Soldiers from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team have arrived in Iraq and are currently conducting force protection and convoy security missions to support logistic movement throughout the country.
The Oregon National Guard brigade has over 3,000 Soldiers deployed or moving into Iraq. The majority of the Soldiers are from Oregon with fill ins from Nebraska, Delaware, South Carolina, New Mexico and the Individual Ready Reserve.
The brigade is scheduled to remain in Iraq during the draw down of troops and the historic elections in January until spring 2010.
The brigade has citizen-Soldiers from throughout the state of Oregon who are putting their lives on hold to help continue the mission in Iraq.