* From the Illinois National Guard’s Facebook page…
Message from the Governor of the Great State of Illinois, JB Pritzker:
To the Families and Service Members of the Illinois National Guard,
Tonight, there are nearly 700 Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen deployed around the world and thousands of service members in every branch of our military who call Illinois home. And tonight, there are Illinois military families in every corner of our state who are praying for those they love who are in harm’s way. MK and I join these families in offering our prayers for the wellbeing and safety of our brave service members.
As news breaks of the Iranian attack against al Asad Air Base and U.S. forces in Erbil, I also want you to know that the entire state of Illinois stands behind you. We stand in awe of those who have answered the call to serve, those who knew the risks and still bravely deployed overseas so we remain safe at home. Know that you have the gratitude and the strength of your fellow Illinoisans, and we are ready to welcome you home when your work is done.
May God bless the heroes who risk their lives to preserve our freedom and God bless the United States of America.
Sincerely,
JB Pritzker
Governor of Illinois
- Donnie Elgin - Wednesday, Jan 8, 20 @ 9:56 am:
Prayers for the hundreds of Illinois National Guard soldiers attached to the 108th Sustainment brigade currently deployed to Iraq. These citizens soldiers are called out of daily family/work life to protect our freedom.
- My New Handle - Wednesday, Jan 8, 20 @ 9:56 am:
Unfortunately, our troops are protecting oil interests not “our” freedom.
- Sayitaintso - Wednesday, Jan 8, 20 @ 10:00 am:
My new handle- very classy. This is a sincere note to those in military- those who serve
- Jocko - Wednesday, Jan 8, 20 @ 10:07 am:
I’m relieved to read that the dozen missiles resulted in no casualties.
Given Trump’s disdain for reading intel, maybe he could takes his eyes off FoxNews for 90 minutes and watch “No End in Sight” by Charles Ferguson.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 8, 20 @ 10:12 am:
Well written release, I share those same sentiments.
God be with them all.
- altoid - Wednesday, Jan 8, 20 @ 10:15 am:
It’s possible to sincerely praise their bravery and hope for the well-being of our soldiers, such as my sibling in the 82nd Airborne on their way to Iraq, and also realize how empty and meaningless the phrase “protecting our freedoms” is.
- Ron - In Texas - Wednesday, Jan 8, 20 @ 10:18 am:
Having been there several times, real sentiments from back home are nice.
On the flip side… once you are down range, sentiments don’t mean much. They are really for the people back home to think about. Those loading their plate carriers and stacking mags, tightening up the laces and going from OP to OP don’t think about or read these statements… Just Sayin’
- Donnie Elgin - Wednesday, Jan 8, 20 @ 10:26 am:
“On the flip side… once you are down range, sentiments don’t mean much.”
Agreed. Words should be matched with deeds. we had a voluntary collection at work and sent tons of approved care package items to the 108th soldiers.
- Ron - In Texas - Wednesday, Jan 8, 20 @ 10:29 am:
@donnie
Good idea. Used to be Baby wipes, jerky, Copenhagen
But also remember these types of packages have died off in the last 10 years. Iraq has good infrastructure now. US soldiers and Marines are not sleeping on floors like 2004 or 2005. Put an email out to some folks over asking what they want. Cigars are always welcome.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Jan 8, 20 @ 11:29 am:
Yes, support the troops. They are our family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, ourselves. They don’t choose when and where they get sent, and which wars to fight. Voters and politicians do.
- Ron - In Texas - Wednesday, Jan 8, 20 @ 12:04 pm:
To our brothers and sisters still down range, stay safe. we will see you soon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=25&v=TRUjr8EVgBg&feature=emb_logo
Ray Charles. America the Beautiful.
- The Mythical Middle - Wednesday, Jan 8, 20 @ 4:38 pm:
Support the troops but question the wars.