The oldest son of Vice President-elect Joe Biden is scheduled to deploy to Iraq by Thanksgiving, according to sources familiar with the plans.
That will put a new spotlight on the new White House and the war zone.
Capt. Beau Biden, who is Delaware's first-term attorney general, is scheduled to leave Fort Bliss, Texas, for Iraq in the next two weeks, along with just over 100 other members of the 261st Tactical Theater Signal Brigade of the Delaware Army National Guard.
The elder Biden saluted the crowd after speaking briefly to the unit in early October before it headed from Dover to Fort Bliss to train for Iraq.
"I've come here many times before as a Delawarean, as a United States senator," he said, according to CNN. "But today I come, as you prepare to deploy, as a father — a father who had some sage advice from his son this morning: 'Dad, keep it short, we're in formation.' ... My heart is full of love and pride. ... You are the best demonstration of both our nation's greatness and ... our people's goodness. ... Let me simply say, thank you, thank you for answering the call of your country. ... So stay strong, stand together, serve honorably ... may God bless you and may he protect you."
Beau Biden, 39, is often mentioned as a possible replacement for his dad in the Senate.
John Bresnahan contributed to this report.
