The Red Bulls

FORT LEWIS, WA. – Several Minnesota government, business and civic leaders visited the deploying 34th Red Bull Infantry Division here Tuesday to wish them a final farewell before they head off to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The distinguished visitors included the civilian Assistant to the Secretary of the Army, two mayors, several prominent business leaders, important members of ‘Serving Our Troops’, members of Minnesota’s Patriot Guard and a six time New York Times best-selling author.
 
The visit gave the distinguished visitors a chance to talk with deploying Soldiers one-on-one and get to know them on a more personal level. “The best part was meeting you guys, seeing where you're from, what things are like and the jobs you do at home and what you're going to be doing while you're gone," said Mike Ray, the Vice President of Human Resources for Best Buy.
 
The distinguished visitors also got the opportunity to see what kind of training the Soldiers are doing and what kind of living conditions the Soldiers experience. “The personal protection is definitely better than it used to be for Soldiers going into a combat zone. The training is very impressive," remarked Harry Sieben, the civilian Assistant to the Secretary of the Army.
 
The distinguished visitors were able to hear from Soldiers first hand and learn how they can better help and show their support for Soldiers and their families. “We have a large group of people with the Yellow Ribbon foundation that are looking for ways to support the Soldiers. Just a couple weeks ago I had a meeting with a bunch of Boy Scout groups, and they have all these young boy scouts who want to support families. So we’re just trying to figure out what is a good way to help some families while you're all deployed, and then subsequently when you all come back," said William Droste, the mayor of Rosemount, Minn.
 
Stan Kowalski, a WWII veteran and the State Commander of the Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars, was eager to visit the deploying Soldiers, wish them luck and let them know he is looking out for them. “These kids are putting their life on the line; I don't want to see them mistreated when they’re going out there. I see a lot more smiling faces so that means you’re being treated well. That's what I'm looking for."

"I just want you guys to know that we support you and that people at home are thinking of you. Good luck and get home safe," added Ray.