Guardlife - Volume 30, No. 3
TAG's Message
As we look back upon the celebration
of Thanksgiving and look forward to the coming holiday
season, we have much to be thankful for. As
Americans, we truly have been blessed in so
many ways. America too, has been blessed in many
ways… none more obvious than those blessings reflected
by the dedication and patriotism of the courageous
young men and women serving as
citizen-soldiers in our New Jersey National Guard.
This is the third year we celebrate Christmas,
Chanukah, Kwanza and the New Year with troops
deployed in various Homeland Defense and Homeland
Security Missions.
Once again, our thoughts and prayers go out to
those serving on the front lines of freedom; protecting
us; protecting America from threats both foreign and
domestic. Once again the precious gifts of liberty and
freedom are being preserved only by virtue of the
service and sacrifice of our fellow citizen-soldiers and
airmen who so generously have placed duty to state
and nation before their own personal priorities. Once
again, our troops are being sustained by the unequalled
support of family, friends, and their fellow
citizens here at home.
This time of year is especially difficult for
the families, spouses, and children of those deployed. It’s
even more difficult for those serving so far from home.
It’s important to both families and soldiers that we let
them know how much they are appreciated and how
important they are to all of us. It has been tremendously
gratifying to see the outpouring of support for
our troops as well as our family programs. From “Salute the
Troops” ceremonies to pancake breakfasts
to special tributes for Veterans Day, local communities,
friends, neighbors, corporate New Jersey, and
our elected officials all have demonstrated their collective
appreciation for those who have answered the
call. This support will never waiver. Our appreciation
will never fade.
To each of you, from me, my family, and from
our entire extended National Guard Family, we thank you
for all you are doing and wish you a most blessed
holiday and a new year that may finally bring peace to
us all.
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