Gov. Gretchen Whitmer got a head start on the Thanksgiving holiday in a phone call of thanks to deployed active duty service members of the Michigan National Guard in various spots in the United States, including Macomb County airmen.
According to the governor’s office, Whitmer made the call Wednesday to wish the men and women a happy Thanksgiving and extend to them the state’s gratitude for their continued service.
Calls were placed to deployed member of the Michigan Army National Guard and Michigan Air National Guard, saying those in uniform “represent the best of us.”
“Michiganders who serve in uniform represent the best of us,” Whitmer said in a statement.
“As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we must recognize the immense sacrifices they make, so we can feel safe and gather with our loved ones. Right now, many active-duty service members are separated from their families, working hard and stationed far away from Michigan.”
She urged Michigan residents to take a moment to “honor their sacrifice and pray for their safe return home.”
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, also thanked the soldiers and airmen far from their homes.
“Today, more than 900 Michigan National Guard members are serving far from their homes and families,” he said. “Whether they are supporting the NATO-led Kosovo Force mission to help maintain safety and stability in the region or safeguarding our national security interests in the Middle East, their dedication and selfless service during these challenging times deserve our deepest respect.”
The governor addressed members of the 127th Wing Expeditionary Air Base of the Michigan Air National Guard from Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County. She also spoke with the 171st Medical Company Area Support in Ypsilanti, 745th Explosive Ordnance Detachment in Grayling, and the 3-238th General Support Aviation Battalion of Grand Ledge.
The Michigan National Guard service members are serving in Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, and Kosovo in support of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. European Command (EUCOM).
