CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT - Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon visited citizen-soldiers from the Missouri Army National Guard, who are currently deployed overseas.
Soldiers of the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade, based out of Sedalia, Mo., and 935th Aviation Support Battalion, based out of Springfield, Mo., are currently deployed to Kuwait to promote partnerships with Kuwait and other nations in the region to maintain stability and security.
The governor's tour began in Washington, D.C., with meetings at the Pentagon with Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and with Gen. Frank Grass, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Nixon then continued on to visit Missouri units in Kuwait. While in Kuwait, Nixon received a tour of operation areas, visited with soldiers, and had dinner with Missouri Guardsmen, as well as additional active duty personnel who are currently deployed to Kuwait.
During his tour, Nixon also visited troops in Afghanistan with the 1138th Engineer Company, based out of Farmington and Fredericktown, Mo.
"Missouri is proud to have people in uniform and that's because Missouri has a great history in significant roles within the military," said Nixon. "We have always been represented well."
Soldiers were given the opportunity to discuss achievements, operations, and even football with the governor. Although it was a brief visit, it was a welcomed chance to meet and discuss successes of the Missouri Army National Guard.
"From the Show-Me-State, thank you and God bless," said Nixon. "Finish the mission and we look forward to welcoming you back home next year."
The Missouri National Guard also has Guardsmen in Afghanistan from Detachment 3, Company F, 1st of the 169th Aviation, based out of Springfield.