FAMILY SUPPORT MESSAGE FROM OUR FIRST LADY

Dear friends,

As we continue through this critical time in our nation’s history, Haley and I want you to know how very proud we are of each and every soldier and airman in the Mississippi National Guard. They are as dedicated and professional as any group you will find in our great country. But our affection goes beyond those in uniform who serve both at home and abroad. Each spouse, son, daughter, mother and father who shed tears as they say goodbye to their loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers with each passing day. It is you – the families these soldiers and airmen leave behind, who are our nation’s fortitude. Your dedication to your nation and your love and support for those who defend it will always be a source of inspiration to all of us who support you.

The efforts of your loved ones will not be in vain, because they serve to protect the freedoms that have defined our nation for two centuries. They serve to protect our children’s right to sleep at night without the fear of aggression. They serve to protect the rights we all enjoyed in our youth, and preserve them for future generations. They serve to protect us from the threat of terrorism that is unfortunately so real in our world today.

Members of our armed forces are doing so much more than is often reported in the media. Lives are being changed for the better because of the dedication and hard work of people like your loved one. Over 400,000 children have been immunized; over 4.5 million people have clean drinking water for the first time; and 100% of the hospitals are open and fully staffed. These are no small accomplishments, and we should all be proud of them.

I urge you to be active in your family readiness and support groups, and keep the lines of communication open among yourselves and with your respective unit representatives. No support system will be more effective than families taking care of families. I as well pledge my support to each of you during this time of great sacrifice.

Finally, I ask that you remain proud of your loved ones and the commitment they make to their communities and their nation, just as Haley and I remain proud of all of you. You are all great Americans, and you define the courage and honor that has made the Mississippi National Guard the finest community-based defense force in our great nation. God bless each of you and God bless our great United States of America.

Sincerely,

Marsha Barbour

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