"I am continuously amazed by the selflessness and dedication to duty of Missouri's men and women in uniform," Blunt said. "During wars, national disasters and special missions like this Missouri's patriots represent our state with honor, and we can all take great pride in everything they do to keep our state and nation safe.
"The Guard is making a real difference. They are a powerful deterrent, and they are helping the Border Patrol apprehend illegal immigrants."
Blunt took an aerial tour of the border assigned to Missouri soldiers and talked to several about their work and experiences since being deployed on September 11. Members of the Missouri units Blunt spoke with watch a designated area along the United States-Mexican border and relay possible illegal entrants to the United States Border Patrol.
Blunt announced his support of President Bush's plan to use state National Guard units to assist the Border Patrol and shares the president's belief that America can be a nation of laws while also supporting lawful immigration.
This is the second trip Blunt has made to visit Missouri troops as Commander in Chief of the Missouri National Guard. In May he visited troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait as well as those convalescing at the Ramstein Air Force Base hospital in Germany.
Blunt is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and served five years on active duty upon graduation. He is currently a Lt. Commander in the Navy Reserves and became the first statewide elected official in Missouri history to be called into active duty following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks serving for six months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
