(NECN: Alison King) - Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is showing his gratitude and appreciation for troops serving in Iraq -- in a visit to the war-torn country.
Patrick is in Iraq to meet with Massachusetts servicemen and women. He is joined by four other governors on a Department of Defense-sponsored trip.
The governors landed in Kuwait today before changing planes and arriving in Baghdad.
They enjoyed lunch with troops at Camp Victory and then dinner with troops at Al Faw Palace.
"They're doing a wonderful job under extraordinary circumstances," says Patrick.
Local
"Our Massachusetts servicemen and women seem to be thoroughly professional," says Patrick. "They are very focused on what they have to do."
"I want their family members to know...they make us all very proud, they are inspiring young people," says Patrick.
There are currently over 1,100 Massachusetts National Guard troops deployed in the region.
