Adjutant General Sends

HEADQUARTERS, TEXAS STATE GUARD ANNOUNCEMENT

ADJUTANT GENERAL SENDS:

To All Texas Military Forces Members and Their Families,

2011 has been a very successful year for our Texas Military Forces. In support of the Governor’s priorities, Texas Guardsmen have performed superbly while responding to wildfires, natural disasters, and other Defense Support to Civil Authorities requirements across the State. Our Soldiers and Airmen continue to mobilize and deploy in support of Overseas Contingency Operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and other overseas locations. We have conducted very successful exchanges with our two State Partnership countries, Chile and the Czech Republic. Texas State Guard personnel have provided shelter management for wildfire victims, assisted in the State’s rabies eradication program, and provided much-needed medical support to Rio Grande Valley residents through Operation Lone Star. Our Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP), Civil Support Team (CST), and Homeland Response Force (HRF) have undergone tough external evaluations, and have set new standards of excellence in operational readiness. We have continued to refine our interagency partnerships with numerous State and federal entities, and have realigned our force structure and community presence to better posture the overall force for future growth and expanded mission requirements. Through key leader engagements with community, State and federal elected officials, we have continued to showcase the professionalism, selfless service and value-added contributions of our force. As citizen-Soldiers, Airmen, Texas State Guardsmen, civilian employees, and family members of the Texas Military Forces, you have continued to accomplish your duties in an extraordinary manner, and I am honored to serve as your Adjutant General.

December is a month of national celebration, when Americans pause to enjoy the blessings of the Holiday Season and look forward to the start of the New Year. As you spend time with families and friends on Christmas and New Years, please keep our deployed service members and their families in your thoughts and prayers. Their selfless service, dedication and bravery help secure the freedoms and blessings that we continue to enjoy. If possible, I encourage you to share some special time with family members of deployed personnel to help ease the burden of separation.

I know many of our members will travel throughout the State of Texas and across the Nation to take advantage of the national holidays and visit with relatives and loved ones. Please ensure that you travel safely, alert and well-rested.

Denise and I thank you and your families, for the work you do every day in defense of our great State and Nation. You represent the very best our Nation has to offer.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!