FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

November 26, 2025 

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Governor Whitmer Calls Troops, Wishing Them a Happy Thanksgiving 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Gov. 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 in uniform represent the best of us,” said Governor Whitmer. “As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we must recognize the immense sacrifices they make, so we can feel safe and gather with our loved ones. Right now, many active-duty service members are separated from their families, working hard and stationed far away from Michigan. These brave men and women put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms. Let’s take a moment to honor their sacrifice and pray for their safe return home.” 

“Michiganders who serve in uniform step up every day to protect our communities,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “This Thanksgiving, I encourage every Michigander to take a moment to give thanks for their courage, commitment, and selfless sacrifice. Let’s keep Standing Tall for our active-duty service members and their families.” 

“Today, more than 900 Michigan National Guard members are serving far 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 they are supporting the NATO-led Kosovo Force mission to help maintain safety and stability in the region or safeguarding our national security interests in the Middle East, their dedication and selfless service during these challenging times deserve our deepest respect. We look forward to welcoming every unit and individual home safely to their loved ones.” 

Governor Whitmer spoke to Soldiers and Airmen currently deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, and Kosovo in support of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. European Command (EUCOM). These brave Soldiers and Airmen are tackling a wide range of challenges in each of their respective missions, bringing their expertise in medical care, hazardous explosive device identification and disposal and rotary-wing and fixed-wing aerial logistics and security operations to get the job done. The Soldiers and Airmen are members of the: 

• 1171st Medical Company Area Support (MCAS) of MIARNG (Ypsilanti) 

• 745th Explosive Ordnance Detachment (EOD) of MIARNG (Grayling) 

• 3-238th General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB) of MIARNG (Grand Ledge) 

• 127th Wing Expeditionary Air Base of MIANG (Selfridge Air National Guard Base - Harrison Township)