by Sgt. Gary Witte
210th MPAD
LSA ANACONDA, Iraq – Four governors met with Soldiers from their states on Wednesday, Nov. 29, touring various parts of the base and learning about ongoing missions here.
New York Gov. George Pataki, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, Utah Gov. Jon Hunstman, and Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski, were accompanied by Major Gen. Mike Sumrall, the National Guard advisor to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during their visit to Iraq.
The governors shook hands, posed for photos with Soldiers, and even took part in awards ceremonies.
"It's great to see their support," 1st Lt. Joseph A. Mucci, a platoon leader from Pitman, N.J. with the 5th Squadron, 117th Cavalry Regiment, said. "The guys all appreciate them coming out here."
Each governor has visited the region previously. Corzine said this was his third trip to Iraq, and it was a chance to thank Servicemembers, as well as get a feel for the current circumstances in the country.
"This is really a positive chance to say thank you," he said. "The professionalism and the character of the people serving here is impressive."
Sgt. Matthew Stiner, a truck commander with the 5th Squadron, 117th Cavalry Regiment, was one of those awarded his Combat Action Badge and Purple Heart by Corzine during a ceremony for his New Jersey National Guard unit.
"It's pretty good that the governors came out here and (can) see what their troops are doing," he said.
Stiner who is from Newark, Delaware, was injured along with the rest of his crew in an explosive device attack in September. He noted the difference between watching the war on the news and seeing it first hand.
"For them to come out here and get a hands-on view will help them frame the issues a little better," he said.
The governors visited an Entry Control Point for the base, received several briefings from units such as the 411th Engineer Brigade, Company A of the 211th Aviation Battalion, and Forward Support Company D under the 1st Squadron, 167th Cavalry Regiment (RSTA).
After a demonstration of tactical vehicle capabilities, each governor ate lunch with Soldiers selected from each of their states.
Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who was in the Marines from 1960 to 1965 and served in Vietnam, said he understood the difficulties they face. He said he wished he could tell the Soldiers they could go home with them.
"This is the hardest time to be deployed," he said.
Kulongoski said the most positive sign he has seen during his visit is the continuing commitment servicemembers have toward the mission.
"I don't think you can overstate the value and the pride that they contribute to the effort here," he said.
Gov. George Pataki echoed his comments during a separate interview, noting that Soldiers seem to be more experiences and know the mission better than when he visited two-and-a-half years ago.
"It gives me cause for optimism," he said.
Capt. Chris A. Golden, assistant operations officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 411th EB, said Pataki's visit shows he cares about Soldiers, since he is not up for reelection.
"He's a great guy," Golden said of the governor. "He doesn't have to come out here to see the troops."
Golden, who is from Cicero, N.Y., said the governors asked good questions and seemed genuinely interested in the mission.
"I am impressed that all four of them came out," he said.