ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - Vice President Al Gore will address 3,000 National Guard officers and defense-industry representatives Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. live via satellite during the 122nd NGAUS General Conference in Atlantic City, N.J.

"I am looking forward to addressing the men and women of the National Guard Association of the United States," the Democratic  nominee for president said. "The National Guard has played an important role in protecting our freedom and keeping America's military the strongest in the world."

Gore is the second of the two major candidates for president to agree to address the NGAUS conference. Texas Gov. George W. Bush is set to speak during the conference live via satellite Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. 

This is the first time presidential candidates have addressed the conference via satellite, but not the first time the event has drawn them as speakers. President Bill Clinton, former President George Bush and former Sen. Bob Dole spoke at the last two NGAUS general conferences during their bids for the White House. 

"Since 1992, the presidential candidates have made the NGAUS conference a regular stop during their campaigns," said retired Maj. Gen. Richard C. Alexander, NGAUS executive director. "Their message is heard by thousands of Guard officers who will spread the word back in their home communities. That is what makes our conference a strategic venue and particularly important as military matters continue to be important campaign issues."

The conference will be held Sept. 12 to Sept. 14 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. A press office will be open Sept. 11 in the convention center. Media interested in attending the conference can call (609-449-3909) or stop by the office. 

National Guard officers from 54 states and territories meet annually during the conference to set the NGAUS' legislative agenda. For information, please visit www.ngaus.org. The NGAUS represents nearly 50,000 Army and Air Guard officers.