November 10, 2008
Dear Fellow Nebraskans:
With the 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 want to thank all those who continue to show their support for our men and women in uniform including their families and our communities.
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. Currently we have approximately 4,800 Nebraskans serving our Army and Air National Guard.
More than 4,000 of our soldiers and airmen have served overseas in the last few years, with many serving two or more tours of duties in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations around the world. Since last November, Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy and I have welcomed home nearly 750 soldiers and airmen who have deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
We expect to welcome home another 65 soldiers in the next few weeks and months. At the same time, approximately 60 soldiers have just started their mission in Afghanistan. Other Guard soldiers and airmen continue training and preparing for possible deployments in the months ahead.
Many of our Guard members also deployed to the Gulf Coast to assist with Hurricane efforts. The Nebraska National Guard mobilized and deployed 1,000 soldiers and airmen to assist in recovery efforts from the devastating effects of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The Nebraska National Guard also stepped up to assist in fighting fires and evacuations in California this summer.
Veterans Day is a day to recognize the sacrifices of both those who are serving, as well as those who have served. It is important to thank our veterans for their service.
During the last year, I have had the honor of recognizing many of Nebraska’s World War II veterans through the Heartland Honor Flight program. This is a remarkable project taking place in Nebraska and throughout our country. Honor Flights are organized to provide Nebraska veterans the opportunity to visit the World War II Memorial built to honor their sacrifices and contributions.
The Honor Flight Network was started as a way to have a positive impact on the lives of World War II veterans by organizing visits to Washington, D.C., allowing them to visit the World War II Memorial. During the past four years, the statewide honor flights have transported more than 5,000 veterans to our nation’s capitol.
It is important to note that in addition to the statewide program, individual communities have recognized the contributions of our World War II veterans by ensuring that they have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to see the memorial. One of the first communities to do so was for veterans in and around Custer County. Many communities, including Broken Bow, Ansley, Callaway, Sargent, Anselmo, and Merna came together last summer to send local veterans on an adventure of a lifetime.
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.
We are fortunate to live in a country where so many step up to defend the ideals we hold dear. 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.
To all our veterans, both past and present, I offer my most grateful thanks for the service you have given to our state and this nation.
For more information on participating in or contributing to the Heartland Honor Flights, please visit the World War II Heartland Honor Flight Feature Page on the Governor’s Web site: www.governor.nebraska.gov
