National Guard welcome but deployment too slow (Rep. Gabrielle Giffords)

I join with my fellow Arizonans in welcoming the National Guard to the border. Each of these service members decided on their own to come to one of our nation’s harshest deserts at one of the hottest times of the year to answer our nation’s call. For that they deserve our sincere gratitude.

The commitment of these soldiers is an inspiration to us all. Our men and women in uniform – whether active duty or reserve – make up the best fighting force in the world. The American military is second to none and now Arizonans can breathe a little easier knowing they are standing guard on our border.

While I have no doubt that these soldiers and airmen will play a critical role in helping the U.S. Border Patrol fulfill its mission, I remain deeply concerned about the length of time it took for them to get here. It should not have taken this long to get National Guard boots on the border in Arizona.

On March 27 – more than five months ago – Rob Krentz, a longtime rancher in Southeastern Arizona and one of my constituents, was killed on his land. No one has been arrested but authorities tracked the killer, believed to be a drug smuggler, south to the border.

Within days of that tragedy, I asked President Obama to deploy the National Guard to help the Border Patrol – especially in the rural parts of my state. I repeated that request numerous times and was joined by a bipartisan group of my colleagues from at least five states.

Finally in May, it was announced that 1,200 National Guard troops would be sent to the border. And now today – more than three months later – they finally are here. Like many of my constituents, my reaction can be summed up in three words: It’s about time.

Securing our borders and protecting our citizens are the most essential responsibilities of the federal government. Today’s arrival of the National Guard will move us closer to that goal.