Ore. Guard troops prepare for deployment

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon National Guard says nearly 2,700 soldiers are scheduled to depart in the coming days for Camp Stewart, Ga., where they will prepare and train before being deployed to Iraq for 10 months.

The deployment is the Oregon National Guard's largest since World War II.

Well-wishers, soldiers' families and friends attended a mobilization ceremony Saturday in Portland that was hosted by the Oregon National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Similar events are to be held in Bend, Eugene, and Medford.

The Oregon National Guard says the deployment marks a third trip to the Middle East for some soldiers.
     
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