Gov. Gregoire welcomes home the 1-140th Aviation of the Washington Army National Guard

July 26, 2008

*As Written*


First Remarks: To the Family Members of the Air Warriors

Good morning,

Home comings are always wonderful, and when a loved one returns home from war � that�s the greatest homecoming of all!

I�m very happy today for not only the Air Warriors who just arrived, but for you -- their families and friends.

And I�m happy and honored to be part of welcoming these Washington heroes, who spent 12 hard months in Iraq.

I want you to know that my husband, Mike, is a Vietnam combat veteran, so I am very tuned into the reality that when you go to war, you don�t come back the same. That�s not a bad thing. It�s just a fact.

So in the coming weeks and months, I want you to know that my office, and John Lee at my Department of Veterans Affairs, can help if your returning Warriors need help.

And we�re not offering idle promises or red tape. We can help with employment, unplanned financial needs, and health care. You can take that to the bank.

All they need to do is get in touch with my office or the Department of Veterans Affairs. If they don�t know how, they can ask their commanding officer.

In fact, we have people from Veterans Affairs here today for your home coming.

They just need to let us know. Call us and we�ll be there for them and for you.

I know you all have a lot of celebrating to do, so I won�t keep you.

Thank you for you sacrifices here on the home front while your loved ones were at war, and God Bless You.

And God Bless the United States of America.

Second Remarks: To the Air Warriors (and Their Families)

Good Morning, and thank you General Lowenberg.

I�m extremely honored to be invited to welcome you home.

Welcome home folks!

You made it! You made it home from Iraq safe and sound. I�m so proud of the 140th. I know you spent 12 months in very tough conditions, and I salute your bravery and commitment to serving your country.

I�m so very proud of you, and I know your family and friends are too.

I won�t keep you. I know you can�t wait to see your families.

But I want you to know what I just explained to your families � and that�s if you need my help as you readjust, please call my office or my Department of Veterans Affairs. We have very real ways to help you if you need it.

I know this is a happy day for you and your loved ones. It�s a happy day for me too, and for every Washingtonian.

Welcome home Air Warriors!

God Bless You

And God Bless the United States of America.