Minnesota Guard sending 1,000 to Iraq and bring music along with their munitions

Minnesota Guard sending 1,000 to Iraq
When they arrive in Iraq next year, they'll administer forces in a third of the country -- and bring music along with their munitions.

By MARK BRUNSWICK, Star Tribune

Last update: December 11, 2008 - 11:00 PM
Larger groups of Minnesota soldiers have been deployed in recent years to Iraq, Bosnia and Kosovo, but the new deployment announced Thursday will involve a level of responsibility unseen since the Second World War. More than 1,000 troops will be deployed to Iraq early next year, the Minnesota National Guard announced, with the Guard's 34th Infantry Division taking over command of 16,000 coalition forces in eight of Iraq's 18 provinces.

The Minnesota troops will deliver to the war zone not just firepower but the soothing sound of music to ease the weariness of warriors far from home.

The 34th will provide leadership, command, logistics, and communication support for four active-duty brigades of more than 16,000 multinational coalition forces.
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