More than 650 Fort Bragg soldiers being deployed to Iraq, 82nd Airborne Division says

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — More than 650 Fort Bragg paratroopers and equipment will be deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations in Iraq Wednesday as part of the Immediate Response Force.

Paratroopers from the 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division were activated and deployed in response to the increased threat levels to people and facilities from the U.S., according to the 82nd Airborne Division.

U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, Fort Bragg's congressman, released this statement about the deployment of the paratroopers:

"When the president dials 9-1-1, Fort Bragg answers the call," Hudson said. "Renee and I are praying for these paratroopers and their safe return home, for their families, and for all of America’s men and women in uniform."