AUSTIN, TX: Employers and civic leaders from across Texas and Soldiers in the Texas Army National Guard’s 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) will gather at Fort Bliss in EL Paso, Texas on November 19th and 20th to bid farewell to the troops. 
The brigade’s 3,000 soldiers are in the final stages of their pre-deployment training before departing for Iraq. During 2010 the 72nd IBCT will be responsible for the administration and security of the International Zone in Baghdad as well as for performing various other roles throughout Iraq, such as security force, detainees, combat and convoy operations.
The employers and civic leaders are being hosted by the Texas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The Texas ESGR committee regularly provides boss lifts for employers and civic leaders in support of Guard and Reserve activities. Air transportation will be provided by the Texas Air National Guard’s 136th Airlift Wing from Fort Worth and the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 433rd Airlift Wing from San Antonio.
Employers and civic leaders will spend two days with the troops visiting the training sites, receiving briefings on the 72nd’s mission and enjoying meals with the troops.
They will also participate in a special ice cream social with dessert provided by the Whitey’s Ice Cream of Moline, Illinois. BNSF Railways will ship more than 100 gallons of “SGT CAMO”, Whitey’s newly developed flavor, for the troops, employers and civic leaders to enjoy on November 20th. Whitey is donating all profits from SGT CAMO to military veterans groups.
Photo Opportunities: will be available during the training of troops, employer interaction with the troops, and the ice cream social.

Interview Opportunities:  will be available with officials with ESGR, the 72nd Infantry Brigade, soldiers, employers, National Guard and Reserve leaders and Whitey’s Ice Cream owners.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 that seeks to promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees. ESGR recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of the law, and resolves conflicts through mediation. More information is available at www.esgr.mil or www.txesgr.net.

For More information Contact:
• Dwain James, Executive Director, Texas ESGR Committee (512)782-5829; dwain.james@ng.army.mil

• First Lieutenant Darryl Frost, Public Affairs Officer, 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Fort Bliss) (254)466-3627; darryl.frost@us.army.mil.