Press Release - Dec 21, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, DEC. 21, 2007
CONTACTS
Laura Chapin, 303.866.6386, lchapin@capitol.state.co.us
Capt. Robert Bell, 303.902.3925, Rob.Bell1@us.army.mil
GOVERNOR, FIRST LADY, NATIONAL GUARD GENERAL SEND HOLIDAY VIDEO GREETINGS TO TROOPS
Gov. Bill Ritter, First Lady Jeannie Ritter and Colorado National Guard Commander H. Michael Edwards have recorded and sent special holiday video greetings to Colorado Guard troops deployed to the Middle East and to their families here at home.
"During this holiday season, Colorado is grateful for the unwavering commitment of you and your families, our citizen-soldiers," Gov. Ritter in his message. "The call to defend our way of life is not for the faint of heart. As your commander, I promise to remain committed to you and your family as you fight this global war on terror."
The Governor and First Lady, whose father is a retired Navy captain, extended a special thank you to the families, telling them, "You hold an honored place in our hearts."
Adjutant General Edwards saluted the troops in his holiday greeting, reminding them, "You are truly patriots and great Americans. We look forward to your safe return."
More than 600 Colorado Air and Army National Guard troops are currently deployed to the Middle East, more than at any other time in recent Colorado history. Some 200 members of the 140th Air National Guard Wing out of Buckley Air Force Base were deployed on Dec. 4 and will be spending the holidays overseas.
Gov. Ritter personally visited many National Guard, active-duty and reserve personnel from Colorado last week during a Pentagon-sponsored visit to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.
To view the video messages, click on the links below.
Gov. Ritter's Address to Troops
Gov. Ritter's and First Lady's Address to Families
The Colorado Adjutant General's Address to Troops
The Colorado Adjutant General's Address to Families
To view additional video messages, click here and visit "High Ground," the Colorado National Guard¿s online newspaper.
NOTE TO BROADCAST MEDIA: Broadcast-quality DVDs are available upon request.