New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine arrived in Iraq Tuesday for a surprise visit with local men and women serving overseas.

The governor is visiting approximately 3,000 New Jersey members of the National Guard deployed in Iraq. Corzine was joined on his trip with fellow governors Rick Perry, of Texas, and Chris Gregoire, of Washington.

"If you ever wanted to feel good about our country, if you ever wanted to feel good about the people of New Jersey, I think all one has to do is see the men and women who put their lives on the line," said Corzine in an interview with News 12 New Jersey via satellite.

The intercontinental trip was kept secret due to security concerns, but had been in the works for several weeks. The governor?s trip was organized and paid for the by Department of Defense.

Corzine?s last trip to Iraq was in 2006, and he says there?s been a remarkable difference for the better since that visit. While a member of the U.S. Senate, Corzine opposed the war. The governor maintains he has no second thoughts about his standpoint at that time.

For an interview with Gov. Corzine from Iraq, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.