TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine today departed from McGuire Air Force Base to Fort Bliss, located outside El Paso Texas, to see off the 3,000 New Jersey National Guard members of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) as they embark on a 12-month tour of duty in Iraq.

The governor will observe the final phases of the troop mobilization and join troops for several meals and entertainment events as they prepare for departure. Several CEO's of New Jersey companies with employees deploying as National Guard members will attend with the Governor.

"I believe New Jersey and its courageous families have shouldered the burden of these wars, and now, with this deployment, we have gone above and beyond the call of duty," Governor Corzine said. "The State of New Jersey fully supports its deployed soldiers and their families."

"Additionally, our business community deserve thanks for sending representatives to Fort Bliss to see off our troops and pledging to ensure that their jobs will be waiting for them upon their return," Governor Corzine continued.

The 50 IBCT trains, mobilizes and deploys as directed by the Secretary of Defense to conduct combat operations within a Joint Task Force Area of Responsibility in order to support coalition or national objectives. As directed, the Brigade will provide military support to civil authorities as directed and conduct operations in support of Homeland Security.

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Photos from Governor Corzine's public events are available in the Governor's Newsroom section
on the State of New Jersey web page.