"Being a veteran is something that allows you to hold your head a little higher and walk a little taller." - Spc. Erin Rice, Trempealeau, Wis.

BAGHDAD - Few of Wisconsin's newest veterans will attend Veterans Day ceremonies in Iraq today.

Instead, 3,200 soldiers of the Wisconsin National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team will be on active duty - the very thing that earned them the veterans distinction.

Here is what some of them had to say about Veterans Day and their status as combat veterans of the U.S. armed forces:

What does it mean to you to be a veteran?

"To be a veteran is an honor and responsibility. A responsibility to honor those who came before me, and to be a role model to those who will follow." - Sgt. 1st Class Edward Wenzel, Fond du Lac, Wis., 32nd Military Police Company, Milwaukee, Forward Operating Base Liberty

"To me, being a veteran means that I have in some way paid back the debt that I owe my nation by serving a country that has provided me with the freedom of speech, the freedom to practice any religion that I choose, and the freedom of all men and all women to live as equals." - Sgt. David Delach, Palos Park, Ill., Troop A, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry, Fort Atkinson, Baghdad

"To be a veteran means to be a part of a group of Americans that love, serve, and sacrifice for their country above and beyond other Americans." - Spc. Jacob Penning, Manitowoc, Wis., 108th Forward Support Company . Sussex, Camp Taji

"It means I was willing to give up my freedom back home, be sent to a foreign country to do a job that most people want nothing to do with, so those same people can enjoy their freedoms." - Sgt. Norman Walrath, Langlade, Wis., Headquarters, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Camp Douglas, Baghdad

"I've considered myself a veteran for a long time, having served 27 years in the military, but being a combat veteran finally gives me the satisfaction that I helped make a real difference." - Sgt. 1st Class Mark Gray, Kenosha, Wis., Company B, 257th Brigade Support Battalion, Kenosha, Camp Cropper

"Upholding a long and proud tradition of serving the United States and defending democracy." - Sgt. Aaron Flottum, Marathon, Wis., Company A, 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Onalaska, Camp Taji

"Without veterans, we would not have all of the freedoms that we enjoy, such as the freedom of the press to report both the good and the bad, the freedom to choose or not choose a religion, the freedom of speech whether it is good or bad." - Sgt. 1st Class John McCamey, Rio, Wis., Headquarters, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, Portage, Camp Bucca

"To me, being a veteran means I have joined an honored group of men and women who put the needs of their country and the needs of their fellow soldiers above their own." - Spc. Craig Detert, Watertown, Wis., Troop B, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry, Watertown, Camp Cropper

"Being a veteran is something that allows you to hold your head a little higher and walk a little taller." - Spc. Erin Rice, Trempealeau, Wis., Troop B, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry, Watertown, Camp Cropper

"To me, being a veteran is knowing that I have done what I can to protect the country I call home and give those I love the chance to live free and safe from all adversaries." - Staff Sgt. Lucas Kramer, Winnebago, Ill., 829th Engineer Company, Chippewa Falls, Camp Cropper

"Being a veteran for this great country is a privilege and an honor." - 1st Sgt. Anthony Zimmerman, New Richmond, Wis., Company B, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry, New Richmond, Camp Cropper

"To me, to be a veteran is to make a sacrifice for your country. Veterans have been putting their country before themselves since the inception of our nation. In leaving family, home, and all the comforts of civilian life behind, putting the needs of many before the needs of one's self." - Pfc. Christopher Bednarowski, Neenah, Wis., Troop B, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry, Watertown, Camp Cropper

"On a personal note, it means I can stand alongside my father, a Vietnam veteran, and be part of this awesome fraternity with him." - Spc. Matthew Thomas, Richland Center, Wis., 829th Engineer Company, Richland Center, Camp Cropper

"A veteran is a person who accepted the call of duty and is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, their life." - Spc. Tylor Harlan, Richland Center, Wis., 829th Engineer Company, Richland Center, Camp Cropper

"To me, it means that instead of sitting at home watching others help the cause that I did my part to help America. Being deployed has also helped widen my perspective of what it's actually like here, something that can't always be seen by watching the news." - Cpl. Justin Hopwood, Elmwood, Wis., Company A, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry, Menomonie, Forward Operating Base Future

"It means to be proud, to have honor, and know I'm willing to do what it takes for my country." - Pfc. Michael Kralick, Green Bay, Wis., Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay, Camp Bucca

"It means I have chosen to sacrifice the time I would have spent with my family, friends, and life back home in order to work side by side with my fellow soldiers to accomplish a difficult mission." - Spc. Kyle Balko, Cumberland, Wis., Company B, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry, New Richmond, Camp Cropper

"It means standing up for something you believe in. Being a veteran means you were willing to leave everything behind to answer the nation's call because even though it is not perfect, it is still one of the greatest nations on Earth and you are willing to stand up and defend everything it stands for." - Sgt. Matthew Ward, DePere, Wis., Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay, Camp Bucca

In what ways do you feel "connected" to generations of soldiers and veterans who served before you?

"There are many military experiences that you can reminisce about back home, but the only people who will fully understand are those who have worn the uniform themselves." - Sgt. Brett Thomas, Sussex, Wis., 108th Forward Support Company, Sussex, Camp Taji

"I have shared the universal experience of brotherhood that also bound them. I have helped carry forward into the future the uniquely American society that prior generations built, that my generation and I have enjoyed and built up ourselves. It's surprisingly satisfying to serve in my mature years, as my father and uncle served in their youth during the waning years of World War II." - Sgt. William Frost II, Chicago, Ill., Company B, 257th Brigade Support Battalion, Kenosha, Camp Cropper

"Now that my grandfather and many of those great veterans are gone, it is I who am the veteran. It is up to me and veterans like me to inspire others to serve their country with honor and sacrifice, just like my grandfather and veterans like him, inspired me." - Sgt. David Delach, Palos Park, Ill., Troop A, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry, Fort Atkinson, Baghdad

"We have all dealt with the difficulties in serving with the hardships of deployments." - Sgt. Alexander Gueldenzopf, Racine, Wis., Company A, 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Onalaska, Camp Taji

"Those of us serving and (who have) been away for a time from the daily routine of life and family share a special connection that no one else can have or understand without having been through it themselves. It is something that I cannot put into words." -Sgt. 1st Class John McCamey, Rio, Wis., Headquarters, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, Portage, Camp Bucca

"Even though every war or conflict is different, I have a better understanding what the greatest generations went through in their time from being deployed - better than any person can learn from a textbook or by watching a movie." - Spc. Erin Rice, Trempealeau, Wis., Troop B, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry, Watertown, Camp Cropper

"I feel connected to those that served because we have all given up what we knew, loved, and dreamed in order to protect others, their dreams, and their futures." - Staff Sgt. Lucas Kramer, Winnebago, Ill., 829th Engineer Company, Chippewa Falls, Camp Cropper

"I feel connected to veterans of the past generations by being able to continue the fight for freedom that they started years ago. After being deployed, I will be able to better connect with veterans and share stories of how the wars of the world have changed and the experiences we have faced." - 1st Lt. Cassie Roesler, Portage, Wis., Headquarters, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, Portage, Camp Bucca

"While I may not have experienced the same sadness, pain, sorrow, and sacrifice of soldiers past, I feel that by wearing this uniform, and striving to be the best, I carry on the legacy of those who have come before me." - Spc. Kyle Balko, Cumberland, Wis., Company B, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry, New Richmond, Camp Cropper

"I feel connected to soldiers that served before me because I realize what they went through being away from loved ones for so long." - Pvt. Kevin Allcox, Suamico, Wis., Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay, Camp Bucca

"We all stood ready to defend our country. When our country needed us, we answered the call." - Spc. Jonathan Doran, Casco, Wis., Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay, Camp Bucca

"That I've joined to take their place in helping and protecting America; so that my friends and family can keep their freedoms." - Spc. Joseph Marquez, Sturgeon Bay, Wis., Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay, Camp Bucca

"Yes, I feel kinship to everyone who has served this nation." - Spc. Alexander Nuter, Racine, Wis., 32nd Military Police Company, Milwaukee, Forward Operating Base Future

Will Veterans Day have a different meaning for you now that you are a veteran?

"I've always appreciated everything veterans have done for this country and am proud to have the pleasure to follow in their footsteps." - Sgt. 1st Class Mark Gray, Kenosha, Wis., Company B, 257th Brigade Support Battalion, Kenosha, Camp Cropper

"Absolutely! I will be able to better associate with other veterans and share my story with them. I can now look back and know in my heart that I have truly made a difference by being in the armed forces and fighting for my country and its freedoms." - 1st Lt. Cassie Roesler, Portage, Wis., Headquarters, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, Portage, Camp Bucca

"It makes Veterans Day more personal." - Sgt. William Frost II, Chicago, Ill., Company B, 257th Brigade Support Battalion, Kenosha, Camp Cropper

"Veterans Day will have a different meaning to me now because even though I will return to my everyday civilian life after this deployment, I will still have one day out of the year that is set aside to remember the sacrifices of a veterans like myself." - Sgt. Brett Thomas, Sussex, Wis., 108th Forward Support Company, Sussex, Camp Taji

"I always respected the service of veterans. That did not change when it became me." - Spc. Andrea Fox, Menominee, Mich., Company A, 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Onalaska, Camp Taji

"I have a lot more respect. I know what it.s like to put your life on hold and go halfway around the world for a long time. It makes me stop and realize that just like many before me, and the many that will come after me, we don't go unnoticed. It used to be just another day on the calendar, but now it will have a greater significance." - Spc. Melissa Helton, Wausau, Wis., Headquarters, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Camp Douglas, Baghdad

"I can look at the service of others and understand better the sacrifice that has been made and put faces to the history of service to this country." - 1st Lt. Jonathan Barnett, Onalaska, Wis., Company A, 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Onalaska, Camp Taji

"It feels like I am an American, that I sacrificed a little time and energy for my privilege to be an American." - 1st Sgt. Anthony Zimmerman, New Richmond, Wis., Company B, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry, New Richmond, Camp Cropper

"Veterans Day was always a very important day for my family but it of course has changed. Now my Veterans Day has faces and names that will be with me for the rest of my life." - Sgt. 1st Class Edward Wenzel, Fond du Lac, Wis., 32nd Military Police Company, Milwaukee, Forward Operating Base Liberty

"It most certainly will. In years past, when I was in school, I remember seeing the soldiers present the colors during the school assembly to honor Veterans Day. Now I have joined the ranks of those before me in serving our country." - Pfc. Aaron Niemann, Edgar, Wis., Headquarters, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Camp Douglas, Baghdad

"Yes, it will, because now I know what it feels like to be a veteran." - Spc. Mitchel VandenPlas, Suamico, Wis., Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay, Camp Bucca

"Veterans Day will have a very different meaning to me now that I am a veteran. I will remember the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice and be thankful that I didn't have to make that sacrifice." - Spc. Tylor Harlan, Richland Center, Wis., 829th Engineer Company, Richland Center, Camp Cropper

"As many soldiers from our unit are on our first deployment it I feel it makes us a part of a group of soldiers who came before us. I used to use the day to reflect on my thanks for those before me and I now have the opportunity to be part of the group of veterans." - Cpl. Justin Hopwood, Elmwood, Wis., Company A, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry . Menomonie, Forward Operating Base Future

"I have always viewed Veterans Day as an important, and meaningful, day. Being able to say, ‘I am a veteran' is something I will be proud of, but it really won't change my view of Veterans Day. It holds a lot of meaning to me already." - Spc. Kyle Balko, Cumberland, Wis., Company B, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry, New Richmond, Camp Cropper

"Now instead of honoring veterans from the outside, I can honor them as I stand beside them." - Spc. Jonathan Doran, Casco, Wis., Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay, Camp Bucca

"Not really, I will still see it as a day of remembrance for veterans before me." - Pfc. Daniel Feck, Luxemburg, Wis., Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay, Camp Bucca

What did it feel like to receive your combat patch, recognizing your status as a combat veteran?

"One word: Complete. I do not feel that my service would have been complete if I had not had this chance to serve." - Sgt. 1st Class John McCamey, Rio, Wis., Headquarters, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion . Portage, Camp Bucca

"It's a big deal. Having a Red Arrow on both shoulders is a matter of pride to me. I learned, and in my turn taught, the proud history of the 32nd Division (now Brigade). I am proud to carry that tradition forward." - 1st Sgt. Nels Brown, Fond du Lac, Wis., Headquarters, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Appleton, Camp Bucca

"It was a great honor receiving my combat patch knowing that I had just joined one prestigious group of American men and women." - Spc. Tylor Harlan, Richland Center, Wis., 829th Engineer Company, Richland Center, Camp Cropper

"I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment on the day I received my combat patch. I felt for the first time like a true soldier who has made the sacrifice of serving my country during a time of conflict." - 1st Lt. Cassie Roesler, Portage, Wis., Headquarters, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion , Portage, Camp Bucca

"I was proud and honored to receive the 32nd combat patch. My grandfather served with the 32nd in World War II and wore the Red Arrow as his patch." - Sgt. Adam Lukaszewski, Oak Creek, Wis., Troop A, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry, Fort Atkinson, Baghdad

"Receiving my combat patch was like becoming a family. Having a combat patch and seeing others with the same makes them feel like brothers and sisters." - Staff Sgt. Lucas Kramer, Winnebago, Ill., 829th Engineer Company, Chippewa Falls, Camp Cropper

"It was nice. There was a ceremony and everything. I was very proud of being able to stand there for that." - Sgt. Carlos Orozco, East Elmhurst, N.Y. (native of Ecuador), Company A, 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Onalaska, Camp Taji

"It felt good to know that there are still many soldiers back home that haven.t been deployed. To be able to come home with a patch on both arms and look around at all of the fresh young privates and specialists without one is something I take pride in." - Spc. Kyle Balko, Cumberland, Wis., Company B, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry, New Richmond, Camp Cropper

"It was something to be proud of, knowing that in my lifetime, I was also able to stand and fight when called upon." - Spc. Makoto Yang, Port Washington, Wis., Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay, Camp Bucca

"I felt pride to be able to join the outstanding history of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team." - Pvt. Kevin Allcox, Suamico, Wis., Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay, Camp Bucca

How do you honor the veterans who came before you?

"I like to think that by doing what we need to do now, we honor those that have gone before us." - 1st Sgt. Nels Brown, Fond du Lac, Wis., Headquarters, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Appleton, Camp Bucca

"By my service and giving back to my country in other ways." - Sgt. Shawn O'Brien, La Crosse, Wis., Company A, 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Onalaska, Camp Taji

"By continuing to serve to help preserve what they fought for. By instilling good values into my children to pass on to their children." - Sgt. 1st Class John McCamey, Rio, Wis., Headquarters, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, Portage, Camp Bucca

"Since I have been deployed, honoring other comrades holds a higher priority to me now personally, than before I enlisted due to the courage, respect, honor, bravery, class, and leadership that I know it takes to successfully complete a mission." - Spc. Erin Rice, Trempealeau, Wis., Troop B, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry, Watertown, Camp Cropper

Why did you join the military?

"I followed in my father's and grandfather's footsteps. I believe it is the responsibility of every family, and generation, to step up and take their place in the line to protect freedom and peace." - Sgt. 1st Class Edward Wenzel, Fond du Lac, Wis., 32nd Military Police Company, Milwaukee, Forward Operating Base Liberty

"Most of us older fellas will tell you that money, patriotism or curiosity got us through the door, but camaraderie and a sense of duty kept us in." - 1st Sgt. Nels Brown, Fond du Lac, Wis., Headquarters, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Appleton, Camp Bucca

"To be honest, I originally went active duty for four years to earn enough money to attend college, 27 years later I am still around enjoying the camaraderie and the sense of belonging to something special that the Army brings to my life." - Sgt. 1st Class Mark Gray, Kenosha, Wis., Company B, 257th Brigade Support Battalion, Kenosha, Camp Cropper

"I believe everyone has a place in this world, and I believe mine to be in the Army." - Spc. Melissa Helton, Wausau, Wis., Headquarters, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Camp Douglas, Baghdad

"The most important benefits to me have been the challenges military service presented, the opportunities and need to grow and learn, and the traditions that taught me what really works. And the relationships and struggles with other men and women that have sharpened my abilities and built me up. A chance to be a part of it." - Sgt. William Frost II, Chicago, Ill., Company B, 257th Brigade Support Battalion, Kenosha, Camp Cropper

"Initially, I joined the military for the college incentives and as a means of self discovery between high school and the real world. I have decided to serve another term because of the brotherhood that exists only amongst soldiers who have served together for as long as my friends and I." - Spc. Craig Detert, Watertown, Wis., Troop B, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry, Watertown, Camp Cropper

"To serve my country and give back what has been given to me by past veterans." - 1st Sgt. Anthony Zimmerman, New Richmond, Wis., Company B, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry, New Richmond, Camp Cropper

"I have wanted to be in the military as long as I can remember. Not for college money or other benefits, but just be to a soldier and to serve my country." - Pfc. Aaron Niemann, Edgar, Wis., Headquarters, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Camp Douglas, Baghdad

"I joined the military to better myself in all aspects in life, to test my personal limits, and to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather." - Spc. Tylor Harlan, Richland Center, Wis., 829th Engineer Company, Richland Center, Camp Cropper

"It was a sense of duty and I wanted to better myself." - Spc. Kyle Balko, Cumberland, Wis., Company B, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry, New Richmond, Camp Cropper

"I joined the military to be a part of something greater than myself, and serve our great country." - Spc. Glen Roberts-Bessey, Green Bay, Wis., Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay, Camp Bucca

"I joined the military to serve and protect my country. The country doesn't have to be at war for a soldier to be protecting his nation. Just by being part of a well-trained strong standing army you are protecting your country by deterring war. I joined because, as Edmund Burke said, ‘All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.'" - Sgt. Matthew Ward, DePere, Wis., Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay, Camp Bucca

How does it make you feel to serve your country in the U.S. armed forces?

"I feel I have done something important in my life that no one can take away, and I will never regret or forget." - Spc. Scott Pooch, Deerfield, Wis., Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay, Camp Bucca

"I'm a part of something very few people are willing to do. I'm proud to serve in the armed forces." - Spc. Kyle Balko, Cumberland, Wis., Company B, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry, New Richmond, Camp Cropper

"Serving your country overseas makes you feel like you have earned and protected the freedoms of America. It gives you a new sense of pride when you say, ‘I am an American.'" - Spc. Jacob Penning, Manitowoc, Wis., 108th Forward Support Company, Sussex, Camp Taji

"I am grateful, satisfied, and proud of the services in which I've served, and of the men and women on whom I have relied, on who have relied on me. I am proud of the American people and nation." - Sgt. William Frost II, Chicago, Ill., Company B, 257th Brigade Support Battalion, Kenosha, Camp Cropper

"It's always nice to hear people say ‘Thank you for your service,' but it makes me feel a bit funny. I tell my good friends that being in the Army is just what I do. Like being a teacher, policeman or plumber. As a society, we need people with different skills to perform a function. This is what I do, where I fit. If it is a job that others appreciate, I guess that's a bonus." - 1st Sgt. Nels Brown, Fond du Lac, Wis., Headquarters, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Appleton, Camp Bucca

"I at least know that I stood up and was counted in the times when my country needed me. History did not pass by without me taking part." - 1st Lt. Jonathan Barnett, Onalaska, Wis., Company A, 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Onalaska, Camp Taji

"Proud, dedicated, self sacrificing." - Staff Sgt. Ryan Greeno, Onalaska, Wis., Company A, 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Onalaska, Camp Taji

"It may sound corny, but every time I hear the National Anthem, I get goose bumps to some extent. I am proud to be one of the few to protect everything the other 300 million Americans sometimes take for granted." - Sgt. 1st Class Mark Gray, Kenosha, Wis., Company B, 257th Brigade Support Battalion, Kenosha, Camp Cropper

"I feel privileged. Not that I was able to serve my country; but, that I was able serve alongside a section of our society that exemplifies American values." - Sgt. Adam Lukaszewski, Oak Creek, Wis., Troop A, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry, Fort Atkinson, Baghdad

"It makes me feel that I have done everything that I could and gave all I have to protect this great nation and allow my family the safety that they deserve." - Staff Sgt. Lucas Kramer, Winnebago, Ill., 829th Engineer Company, Chippewa Falls, Camp Cropper

"Proud. Honored. I wouldn't mind coming back for another round." - Spc. Melissa Helton, Wausau, Wis., Headquarters, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Camp Douglas, Baghdad

"It makes me feel like I am a part of something great, bigger than me; doing what I can to protect the weak and the aged. It even makes me feel good to see others have the freedom to voice their opinions even if I disagree with them." - 1st Sgt. Anthony Zimmerman, New Richmond, Wis., Company B, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry, New Richmond, Camp Cropper

"There is nothing I am more proud of than my service to our great nation. The military has always been the cornerstone of my life. Old Glory and the National Anthem are the most beautiful things to see and hear in the world." - Sgt. 1st Class Edward Wenzel, Fond du Lac, Wis., 32nd Military Police Company, Milwaukee, Forward Operating Base Liberty

"I feel proud and privileged to be able to serve my country in the armed forces. For many years, women have had to sit back while men served in the armed forces. I feel fortunate and honored to be able to serve my country and to fight for our every day freedoms! I love being able to sacrifice my time to give back to our nation! I am filled with happiness and honor to support and protect my family and friends." - 1st Lt. Cassie Roesler, Portage, Wis., Headquarters, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, Portage, Camp Bucca

"I'm proud to have an opportunity to be able to do my part for my country in her time of need. Considering that roughly one percent of our population actually serves, I am glad that I am able to say I am a part of that small percentage." - Cpl. Justin Hopwood, Elmwood, Wis., Company A, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry, Menomonie, Forward Operating Base Future

"I feel like I'm part of a family. Our service can make a difference. The feeling of putting on my uniform and feeling proud is indescribable. There is no greater feeling." - Spc. Jessica Prasalowicz, Antigo, Wis., Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay, Camp Bucca

"It makes me feel very proud." - Spc. Scott Wolf, Antigo, Wis., Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay, Camp Bucca

The 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Wisconsin Army National Guard was mobilized in February 2009 and more than 3,200 Red Arrow soldiers deployed to Iraq in May. The brigade is dispersed throughout Iraq, performing a wide range of missions.

The 32nd Brigade includes soldiers from each of Wisconsin's 72 counties.