Mystery solved: Gov. Gregoire visiting troops in Iraq

UPDATE: Patrick McDonald, assistant to the secretary of state, is an Army Reservist. He sent a photo taken with Governor Chris Gregoire at 8:30 this morning in Iraq.

“I was proud to be in the company of such a great group of Washington Guard men and women and their state Commander in Chief. I just found out she was coming just a few hours before,” he said in an email.

ORIGINAL STORY: Gov. Chris Gregoire is in Iraq this week meeting with local troops.

Gregoire left Sunday with a delegation including Govs. John Corzine of New Jersey and Rick Perry of Texas.

Gregoire had abruptly canceled a speech set for today at a prelegislative session forum sponsored by The Associated Press. Her office canceled Monday and refused to say where she was other than out of state.

Gregoire says her visit was sparked by a promise she made at a farewell ceremony for the Washington Army National Guard troops in Yakima as they left to Iraq in August.

News release from the Governor's Office

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire this week met with Washington Army National Guard troops in Iraq. The governor is visiting Iraq with a delegation including Governors John Corzine (D-NJ) and Rick Perry (R-TX).

"In August, I had the honor of participating in the farewell ceremony for the Washington Army National Guard troops in Yakima as they left to serve Operation Iraqi Freedom. I promised I would visit them and it is with great humility that I acknowledge their critical service for our state and our country," Gregoire said. "These servicemen and -women show the utmost courage and strength as they face unimaginable circumstances each day. On behalf of all Washingtonians, I thank the troops, as well as their families at home, for their great sacrifice."

While in Iraq, Gregoire and the delegation met with service members from Washington state and around the United States, and with senior military and public officials. Prior to leaving, the delegation met with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Gates thanked them for their continued support of the troops and making this important visit a priority.

About 2,500 members of the Washington National Guard are currently serving in locations around the world. Of that number, about 2,400 are members of the 81st Brigade serving in Iraq. The brigade’s focus in Iraq is convoy security and force protection operations. The 81st also served in Iraq from March 2004 to March 2005.

"We come away with a better understanding of the incredible circumstances the troops face each day and how we can better support the troops and their families while they are abroad," Gregoire added.

Gregoire reminds all Washingtonians that these citizen soldiers are our friends, neighbors and co-workers, and deserve our utmost support.

Later this week, the governor’s video message to the troops will be available for viewing on www.trooptube.tv and www.governor.wa.gov.