John xxxxxx, you may know me as the current Governor of Maryland. But I didn’t come into this role through politics. I’m an Army guy.

My military service taught me a lot. To put the safety of others over my own, leave no one behind, and live “Mission First, People Always." Those are the same values that drive my work as governor.

It’s why I do not take a single day for granted representing Maryland. 

When I was deployed to Afghanistan as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army, I was honored to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the best soldiers in the world. It forged the strongest friendships I have ever experienced. 

Unfortunately, not all of my brothers and sisters made it home. There were some who struggled with mental health and lost their lives to the invisible wounds of war when they returned. And I will never forget their sacrifice. 

This Memorial Day, and every day, we must remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to this country. And we must honor them with actions of our own.

Our fallen heroes lived lives of action. Their deeds speak louder than any words we could share today.

To honor them, we need to live how they lived: fearlessly — courageously — decisively.

Thank you and may God bless you,

Wes