With the holidays now upon us, I extend warmest Seasons Greetings to the Soldiers and Airmen of the National Guard and to their families and employers.
America is indebted to you for your dedication and service to the Nation, and I thank you for you for the sacrifices you make every day. As the operational tempo of the National Guard increases both at home and overseas, so does the stress on individuals and families. I hope that, during this holiday season, you will be able to spend time with friends and loved ones and put aside the cares of daily life, if only for a short while.
Let us remember those who cannot be with us and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We pray for those in harm's way and for their safe return, and we honor those who have gone before us.
Please celebrate the New Year safely and have a healthy and prosperous 2009.