Governor Parnell traveled to Camp Atterbury, Indiana to visit with Alaska Army National Guard soldiers taking part in training, as they prepare to deploy to Afghanistan.

The soldiers will be taking over a security forces mission in support of reconstruction teams that are helping to rebuild Afghanistan.

“These professional soldiers represent America’s finest,” Governor Parnell said. “It was an honor to spend time with them in their training environment, and to deliver the message on behalf of all Alaskans that we support them and their families. At least 24 different Alaska communities are represented in Company B, and I am very proud of them all for their service to their country.”

More than 126 soldiers from B Company, 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment, are scheduled to leave for Afghanistan this month. The soldiers are from Anchorage, Bethel, Chevak, Delta Junction, Dillingham, Eagle River, Ekwok, Emmonak, Fairbanks, Fort Greely, Hooper Bay, Houston, Juneau, Kipnuk, Kodiak, Kongiganak, Kwethluk, Little Diomede, Marshal, Nikkiski, Nome, North Pole, Palmer, Port Graham, Quinaag, Scammon Bay, Shishmaref, Sitka, Tuluksa, Upper Kalskag, Valdez, Wasilla, and Wrangell.

Photos of the Governor’s visit can be seen on the Alaska National Guard’s Facebook page.