SEATTLE - Washington's Gov. Chris Gregoire is in Iraq meeting with Washington Army National Guard troops. The governor is visiting Iraq with a delegation including Governors John Corzine (D-NJ) and Rick Perry (R-TX).

Video: Raw: Gov. Gregoire talks about Iraq visit

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According to a news release from the Governor's office, while in Iraq, Gregoire and the delegation met with service members from Washington state and around the United States, senior military and public officials. Prior to leaving, the delegation met with Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates.

Gregoire said her Iraq visit was sparked by a promise she made at a farewell ceremony for the Washington Army National Guard troops in Yakima as they left to Iraq in August.

In an interview via satellite with KING 5 news, Gregoire said she is in Iraq on behalf of the people of the state of Washington to say thanks to the  reservists and to the 81st Brigade.

Patrick McDonald, Asst. to the Secretary of State

Gov. Chris Gregoire with troops in Iraq.

“I wanted to come here to tell them how much we appreciate all of their sacrifices on our behalf and their families back home, and just how much every single Washingtonian appreciates their dedication, their commitment, their hard work and their willingness on behalf of our state to do what they’re doing here in Iraq to free these people and give them the kind of democracy that I hope they will see forever,” she said.

Approximately 2,500 members of the Washington National Guard are currently serving in locations around the world. Of that number, about 2,400 are members of the 81st Brigade serving in Iraq. The Brigade's focus in Iraq is convoy security and force protection operations. The 81st also served in Iraq from March 2004 to March 2005.

“No matter how anybody may feel about the war, it is extremely important that we thank, respect and honor every man and woman who serves our country here in Iraq and around the world,” said Gregoire. I want to make sure that’s done, that they have the equipment they need and deserve, they get the benefits they deserve, they get the support they so richly deserve, from not just Washingtonians, but our country."

News of her whereabouts ended a flurry of speculation about where she was and why.

Gregoire said when she was invited to go to Iraq, she was asked that she not disclose information about where she was going and when.

“And I feel very committed to our troops for what they are doing and I very much wanted to come here and I therefore accepted the rules,” she said.

Gregoire was set to be the keynote speaker Tuesday at a pre-legislative session forum sponsored by The Associated Press, but her office canceled Monday afternoon.

Political analyst David Postman said her press contacts fueled the speculation even further after booking satellite time for local TV interviews for the mystery announcement.

After Gregoire was spotted on a flight to Washington D.C. Sunday, some wondered if she was a possible replacement for Commerce Secretary nominee New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who had bowed out. But the Obama administration told NBC News there was no truth to the rumor.

Gregoire put an end to speculation that she is up for an appointment with the Obama administration.

“I ran for governor, I want to be governor and right now in the, really the crisis that our state and nation are facing, I think it’s most important that I stay home and be governor,” she said.

Gregoire is due back in the state Thursday night.