Sebelius calls on Washington to assist deployed Guard soldiers
Kansas National Guard unit to spend up to an additional four months in Iraq

One-hundred and twelve Kansas National Guard soldiers have been ordered to stay in Iraq for up to an additional four months, and Governor Kathleen Sebelius is calling on Washington to provide these soldiers with the same resources as active-duty personnel who have had deployments extended.

Sebelius sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on Friday requesting that members of the Kansas National Guard’s B Battery, 1-161st Field Artillery receive additional compensation as a result of their extended tour.

“I believe that you must make an appropriate acknowledgement of this additional sacrifice,” Sebelius wrote, citing the example set by an active-duty unit whose members received hardship pay when they were kept in Iraq for an extended period. 

She also pointed out that active-duty soldiers receive an additional $1,000 per month when serving in Iraq for longer than one year, and requested Kansas’ Guard soldiers receive the same compensation.

Additionally, Sebelius requested the Defense Department allow for additional help to soldiers as they re-enter civilian life after their deployment, as well as providing resources to help mitigate the impact on families and communities as a result of the extended deployment.

The text of Sebelius’ letter follows:

January 26, 2007

The Honorable Robert M. Gates
Secretary of Defense
Department of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1000

Dear Secretary Gates,

As you are aware, the Kansas National Guard has B Battery, 1-161st Field Artillery assigned to the Minnesota National Guard’s 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Division that has had its tour in Iraq extended as a result of the decision to increase troop levels.  There are 112 Kansas citizen-soldiers in this unit.  These Guard members were scheduled to return home to their families and communities this March.  I have been told the extension will last no more than 125 days, meaning our Kansas Guard members may now be in Iraq through July.

I must acknowledge that I am disappointed at the decision to extend the tour of our Kansas National Guard members.  However, I understand that the decision has been made, and I am committed to ensuring our Guard members and their families are supported and appreciated during this difficult time.

I believe that you must make an appropriate acknowledgement of this additional sacrifice.  Therefore, we request that all Guard members who have their tours extended due to increased troop levels receive hardship pay to compensate them for the extra time they will spend in Iraq.

I understand that soldiers in the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team from Alaska who had their tours extended by four months received hardship pay establishing this as precedence for extensions.  It is also our understanding that active component soldiers kept longer than one year in Iraq receive an extra $1,000 per month.  A similar payment structure should apply to our Kansas National Guard members on tour extensions. 

Further, this extension of service will cause great hardships on the families, employers and home communities of the members of the Brigade; therefore, as needs are identified, I ask that you ensure that the Department of Defense provide funding and resources to mitigate the effects of the extension.

Finally, I strongly encourage the Department of Defense to eliminate the 90-day hands-off policy as it applies to members of the reserve component returning from war.  Rather, I recommend implementing a reintegration program that focuses on participatory events – specifically a program that brings together service members, their families and service providers during this crucial 90-day period.  A reintegration program implemented during the first 90 days of our soldiers return would mirror programs that are available to active component soldiers on military bases and promote a smooth transition for our soldiers, their families and employers.

Thank you for your prompt attention and consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,
/s
Kathleen Sebelius   
Governor

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