November 12 ,2007
Dear Fellow Nebraskans:
With the recent observance of Veterans Day, I want to take this opportunity to express my thanks to our veterans for their service to our state and to our nation. I also want to thank all those who continue to show their support for our men and women in uniform.
As commander in chief of the Nebraska National Guard, I am especially proud of the men and women who are serving our state and our country. Of the more than 4,500 personnel serving in Nebraska’s Air and Army National Guard, nearly 4,000 have served overseas during the last few years. Several units have served more than one tour of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001.
After seeing many of our Guard units deployed in 2005 and 2006, this year we are welcoming many of our military personnel home. So far this year, more than 800 soldiers and airmen have returned home from deployments in countries around the world.
Veterans Day is a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy as Americans don’t come without sacrifice. Our servicemen and women know that the price of freedom is not always free, yet their dedication to protecting communities across our state and defending this country continue. In spite of the time spent away from loved ones, they continue to make their military service a priority in their daily lives.
We are fortunate to live in a country where so many step up to defend the ideals we hold dear, in spite of the challenges and sacrifices that come with the job. Having the support of your community means so much. I know that the men and women of the Nebraska National Guard are very appreciative of the support that they receive from the people of our state.
Two years ago, I was leaving a farewell ceremony for a company of Nebraska Guard soldiers who were preparing to depart for Iraq, when I was stopped by two veterans who told me they had served in Vietnam. They talked about how their experience was different from that of today’s military personnel. They talked about how happy they were to see citizens supporting our men and women in uniform, and how they were proud to stand with their fellow veterans in support of a new generation of men and women who are committed to serving our country.
We are very fortunate to live in a state where support for those who serve in uniform is very strong. Since 2001, we have held events to honor the Guard personnel called to active duty. Each and every time a Nebraska unit is deployed, we hold a farewell ceremony to provide Nebraskans with an opportunity to say thank you for the sacrifices our men and women in uniform and their families are making.
Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy and several Nebraska military leaders have traveled to Camp Shelby, Mississippi to observe the training and visit with Nebraska soldiers preparing to depart for their missions. When our troops return home, we hold ceremonies to welcome them back and to honor their service and accomplishments during their deployment.
Each time I attend one of these events, I am struck by the crowds that fill the gyms and auditoriums across our state in tribute to our Nebraska National Guard personnel. I want express my sincere thanks to all Nebraskans who’ve shown their support of our servicemen and women.
To all our veterans, both past and present, I offer my most grateful thanks for the service that you have given to our state and this nation.
