Governor Whitmer Calls Troops Ahead of the Holidays

December 23, 2025

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Governor Whitmer Calls Troops Ahead of the Holidays

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called actively deployed members of the Michigan National Guard to wish them a happy holiday season and a happy New Year.

"Michiganders who serve in uniform represent the best of us," said Governor Whitmer. "It was an honor to speak to many of our deployed service members today and convey my gratitude to them. As we celebrate the holidays and gather with family, friends, and loved ones, I encourage every Michigander to take a moment to acknowledge the selfless sacrifices that these individuals make every day and pray for their safe return home."

"Michiganders who serve in uniform step up every day to protect our country and keep our communities safe," said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. "Right now, many are working and serving far away from Michigan. On behalf of the whole state of Michigan, I want to wish all of our deployed troops a safe and happy holiday season. Let's all take a moment to express gratitude for their sacrifices and pray for their safe return."

"Today, more than 800 members are serving away from their homes and families," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. "Whether applying their expertise in operations, logistics, transportation, communications and security, or supporting the federal law enforcement mission at the Southwest Border, they exemplify selflessness and unwavering dedication. Their service deserves our deepest respect, and we look forward to welcoming every unit and individual home safely to their loved ones."

Gov. Whitmer spoke to Airmen currently deployed to Germany in support of U.S. European Command; Soldiers deployed to Kuwait in support of U.S. Central Command; and Soldiers deployed to the Southwest Border, in support of Joint Interagency Task Force West. These brave Airmen and Soldiers are tackling a wide range of challenges in each of their respective missions, bringing their expertise in operations, logistics, transportation, communications and security to get the job done. The Soldiers and Airmen are members of the:

• 217th Air Operations Group, 110th Wing (Battle Creek)

• Alpha Company, 3-126 Infantry Battalion (Detroit)

• Bravo Company, 3-126 Infantry Battalion (Wyoming)

• 1430th Engineer Company (Traverse City)

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