December 23, 2005 - Support for our Troops - Presented by State Adjutant General Robert Lee

This Christmas is special for many of Hawai`i’s National Guard and Reserve troops who are back home with their families after a 12-month deployment to the Middle East.

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to these dedicated citizen soldiers, and all our men and women in uniform, for the tremendous sacrifices they make to secure democracy and peace for the people of Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world.

During this holiday season, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our National Guard and Reserve troops who are still on deployment, and we eagerly anticipate their safe return home early next year.

I want to also thank the people of Hawai`i for the support and aloha they have shown to our troops throughout the year through Operation Uplift. 

On behalf of Governor Lingle and Lt. Governor Aiona, I wish our troops and their families, and our entire Hawaii `ohana a safe, joyous and peaceful holiday season.