http://www.krqe.com/expanded.asp?RECORD_KEY[News]=ID&ID%5BNews%5D=17200

Posted: 9/18/2006 2:29:00 PM

Chertoff praises Guard here, abroad
Source: KRQE News 13


ALBUQUERQUE -- Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff came to Albuquerque today in part to recognize the National Guard for its work in the war on terror and in securing the country’s southern border.
Speaking to the 128th National Guard Conference being held at the Convention Center, Chertoff told the men and women of the Guard how important their duty has been to America.

Chertoff spoke about troops serving in Iraq, providing security after Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi and patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border.

In recent months, 10,000 illegal immigrants have been apprehended thanks to help from the Guard, he said.

Chertoff told the Guard won't be at the border forever, just until Border Patrol agents can get into place.

No matter where the Guard members are called to go for duty, Chertoff said they're always willing to help.

“What has struck me is how each of these men and women have said that they cherish the privilege of defending the country on its own borders, and how eager they seem even though they’ve been pulled some distance away from their families, their homes and jobs,” Chertoff said. ...families, their homes, and their jobs>

The Guard is helping build roads and put up lights to ensure illegal immigrants aren't getting into the U.S.

Emergency preparedness has also become a part of national guardsmen duty in recent years.