By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Gov. Matt Blunt is flying to Arizona to visit with Missouri National Guardsmen, and see their efforts to help secure the Mexican border.
The Missouri National Guard says about 200 soldiers departed for Yuma, Arizona, on September 11 for a roughly three-week mission along the border. They are part of President Bush's plan to use up to 6,000 National Guard members to help the Border Patrol.
Blunt spokesman Spence Jackson says the governor plans to travel Wednesday to Arizona to visit with Missouri National Guard members. He says House Speaker Rod Jetton and state Senator Bill Alter (R-Jefferson County) also will make the trip.