Anchorage, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell yesterday attended the deployment ceremony for the U.S. Army 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) 25th Infantry Division. The 3,500 soldiers will be deploying to Afghanistan by the end of December for a year-long tour.

“Members of the 4/25th, you are the pride of Alaska,” Governor Parnell said. “With everything within us, we support you. And, we will rise to the challenge as an Alaska family to meet the needs of your loved ones here. May freedom’s sword and shield be at work through you, and may God bless and keep you.”

Last week, a deployment ceremony was held for more than 120 Alaska Army National Guardsmen who are deploying to Afghanistan. The soldiers of B Company, 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry (Airborne) Regiment will also be deployed for a year.

The governor’s full remarks from today’s deployment ceremony are available here.