3,500 of 45th may deploy
National Guard: Brigades from three other states expect orders, too
Summer of 2008 called likeliest time for Iraq duty.

•Since 9/11, 5,400 Army National Guard and 4,000 Air National Guard members from Oklahoma have mobilized.

•Military officials said soldiers between the ages of 17 and 58 will be included if the 45th deploys to Iraq.

Response from Oklahoma's congressional delegation:

"These Oklahomans are selfless patriots. Under today's proposed call-up, Oklahoma's 45th Infantry Brigade would not deploy until April of 2008. Much could change between now and then. We could be in a drawdown by that date; I certainly hope that is the case. Our state and country are proud of these Oklahomans who unselfishly volunteer to answer the nation's call to duty.”

Sen. Jim Inhofe,

R-Tulsa

"To the families and members of the Oklahoma National Guard deployed to Iraq we owe our thanks and admiration for their sacrifice in service of our country. I will keep our soldiers and their families in my prayers. I remain concerned with the current policy that has turned our Oklahoma Guard into an ‘operational reserve' rather than a ‘strategic reserve.' The burden on these soldiers and their families is too great. I support increasing the size of the Army and Marine Corps in order to have more soldiers to bear this burden and to allow the National Guard to return to its original mission.”

Sen. Tom Coburn,

R-Muskogee

"Today's announcement is a stark reminder that the men and women fighting in Iraq are our friends, neighbors and family. My thoughts and prayers are with every single service member and their loved ones as they prepare to deploy to Iraq. Though my disagreement with the president's recent decision to escalate our commitment to the war in Iraq is well known, my support for our men and women in uniform is unwavering. I am confident in the training the soldiers of the 45th Infantry Brigade have received under General Wyatt's leadership, and I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure they receive the funding and equipment needed to carry out their mission and return home safely.”

Rep. Dan Boren,

D-Muskogee

"Oklahoma soldiers stand ready anytime their country calls on their service. While it is always difficult to hear that Oklahoma's sons and daughters may be put in harm's way, it is inspiring to see their continued willingness to do so in order to serve their country and protect our freedoms. I continue to stand by the 45th Infantry Brigade and I am glad that they and their families have the coming year to prepare for the possibility of deployment in Iraq."

Rep. Mary Fallin,

R-Oklahoma City