RELEASE: Gov. Whitmer Calls Deployed Michigan Troops on Thanksgiving

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 22, 2023

Gov. Whitmer Calls Deployed Michigan Troops on Thanksgiving

LANSING, Mich.—Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer called actively deployed members of the Michigan Army National Guard to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving and thank them for their service on behalf of the state of Michigan.

Governor Whitmer spoke to soldiers currently deployed to Cuba, Kuwait, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates. These brave soldiers are tackling a wide range of challenges in each of their respective missions, bringing their expertise in artillery, aviation, and security to get the job done. The soldiers are members of the:

2nd Battalion, 245th Aviation Regiment (Lansing)
Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 182nd Field Artillery Regiment (Detroit)

177th Military Police Brigade (Taylor)

“Michiganders who serve in uniform put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe here and abroad,” said Governor Whitmer. “They also sacrifice time with family and loved ones to serve around the world. I was proud to thank the troops for their commitment to defending our communities and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope we all take some time to honor our service members and their families this Thanksgiving and pray for their safe return home.”

“Today, there are more than 600 members of the MING 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. “While protecting our national security interests around the globe, their selflessness and loyalty to their mission during these challenging times should be honored. We look forward to welcoming each unit and individual home safely to their families.”

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Investing in Michigan’s Military Families 

Governor Whitmer has made significant investments to grow economic opportunity, access to health care, and more for Michigan’s veterans, service members, and their families.

Signed legislation lowering costs for families of disabled veterans by eliminating red tape and ensuring spouses can maintain property tax exemptions.
Expanded the National Guard tuition assistance program to cover spouses and dependents, lowering the cost of higher education for military families.
Removed barriers for veterans to get commercial driver’s licenses and signed a bill to help service members, veterans, and their dependents enter a licensed profession.
Launched the statewide outreach and advertising campaign “I Served. I Am a Veteran,” to engage veterans, collect their stories, and connect them to benefits. 
Pushed for a new fighter mission at Selfridge and secured resources to modernize the base.

Stood up the National All-Domain Warfighting Center at Camp Grayling and the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center providing training in land, air, maritime, cyber environments.

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