Vet News: Schwarzenegger 'Pumps Up' Deploying Guard

FORT IRWIN, Calif., March 15, 2004 -- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger visited the National Training Center and Fort Irwin March 12 to speak to Soldiers of the California National Guard deploying to Iraq.

"I'm here not just as the governor," Schwarzenegger said. "First, I wanted to come here to talk to you and pump you up before you ship out."

To pump them up, Schwarzenegger told the Soldiers of his service in the Austrian army as a tank driver. He also expressed his love for the military and his appreciation of American Soldiers.

"I have a great love for the military," Schwarzenegger said. "I have been very much into the military."

"I came over here with empty pockets but big dreams," he said. "I was very fortunate to go way beyond my dreams. Why I was able to accomplish those things is because this is the greatest country in the world; because it is free and you help keep the country free."

The governor also talked about his recent experiences visiting Kuwait, Iraq and Bosnia.

"There has never been a time when any country has been as powerful as the United States. That's because you guys have been protecting it for a long time," he said. "I can only say that I play a machine, but you guys are the true machines. You are the real terminators."

"The sacrifices you make are appreciated by all of us, not just in California, but all over the United States," Schwarzenegger said.

"I appreciate the type of work you are doing and the sacrifices you are making. I am proud of all of you."

The governor spoke to Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 185th Armor, a California National Guard element of Washington state's 81st Armor Brigade (Separate). The Brigade was mobilized in November, trained at Fort Lewis, Wash., and now has undergone 30 days of intensive training at NTC in preparation for deployment.

Following his speech, the governor presented the battalion with a California State Flag and a United States Flag, both of which had been flown over the California State Capitol Building.

The Soldiers then presented Schwarzenegger with a jacket. Schwarzenegger took some time after the presentations to shake hands with the Soldiers and sign autographs.