The Official Website of Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo

Guam National Guard Deployments to the Horn of Africa May Continue

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—April 18, 2007–Washington, D.C.–

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo today during a hearing held by the House of Representatives Committee on Armed Service asked Admiral William Fallon, Commander of the United States Central Command, whether servicemembers from the Guam National Guard and their family members can expect to see future deployments of Guam Guard personnel to the Horn of Africa during the foreseeable future.

Admiral Fallon told the Committee that, in general, it is beneficial for units that have acquired familiarity with certain areas to continue to serve in those areas in order to help maintain consistency, continuity, and effectiveness of the mission. Since three Guam National Guard companies have already been deployed to the Horn of Africa, and another currently on deployment, Admiral Fallon added that it is very likely that in the future, the Guam Guard would again be sent to the region.

“Our men and women in the Guam National Guard deserve to know if the deployments will continue or if new missions are on the horizon,” Bordallo said. “The men and women of the Guam Guard have performed exceptionally well during their assignments to the Horn of Africa. We are proud of our soldiers and their dedication to their mission. I know that for the families back home, removing some of the uncertainty about future deployments is an issue that I hope Central Command can address in the months ahead,” Bordallo added.

Admiral Fallon appeared before the Committee today to discuss issues related to the Fiscal Year 2008 budget request for the United States Central Command. Central Command area of responsibility includes the Horn of Africa, South and Central Asia and much of the Middle East. Admiral Fallon responded to Committee member’s questions on a wide range of issues, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the potential threats that Iran poses to United States and Coalition operations in the region.

Click here for an audio file of Congresswoman Bordallo’s question to Admiral Fallon.

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Contact: Joseph E. Duenas in Washington, D.C. at 202-225-1188 or Cathy Gault at 671-477-4272/4

joseph.duenas@mail.house.gov or cathy.gault@mail.house.gov

www.house.gov/bordallo

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