LANSING, MI - On November 28, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer called actively deployed members of the Michigan Army National Guard (MIARNG) and Michigan Air National Guard (MIANG) to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving.

“Michiganders who serve our state and nation in uniform put their lives on the line to keep us safe,” said Governor Whitmer. “As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s recognize the sacrifices they and their families make so we can live freely. Right now, many active-duty service members are apart from their families, working hard, far from home. I was honored to speak to some of them today and convey our gratitude. I hope we all take some time to honor our service members and their families this Thanksgiving and pray for their safe return home.”

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

217th Air Operations Group of MIANG (Battle Creek)

110th Logistics Readiness Squadron of MIANG (Battle Creek) 

1440th Firefighting Detachment of MIARNG (Alpena)

272nd Regional Support Group of MIARNG (Lansing)

1463rd Transportation Company of MIARNG (Battle Creek)  

“Today, there are more than 200 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. “Whether supporting the federal law enforcement mission at the Southwest Border or 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.”