Guardians,
Happy holidays to all of our shipmates around the world. For those who are standing the watch here at home or abroad, thank you for your service and dedication. On Christmas day, President Obama called members of each Armed Service including two Coast Guard members.
The President called MK1 Michelle Roberts who is stationed onboard CGC MONOMONY in Bahrain and GM3 Matthew Harris, MSST Anchorage, currently deployed to Umm Qasr, Iraq.
I had the opportunity to call two of our Guardians who were deployed to wish them a merry Christmas.
The first was BM2 Christopher Valdes, MSST Miami, deployed onboard a naval vessel conducting counter-piracy operations off the Horn of Africa. Petty Officer Valdes hails from Miami, FL.
I also called GM2 Zachary Houghton, MSST LA/LB, who is currently deployed with the Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay Cuba. Petty Officer Houghton is from Redding, California and is part of the Force Protection Team in GTMO.
MCPO-CG Skip Bowen also made two phone calls. He talked to MK1 Martin Bowley, MSST LA/LB, who is deployed to the Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay Cuba and BM3 Daniel Sylvester, USCGC MAUI, in the Northern Arabian Gulf.
I am always inspired by the spirit and positive attitude of all our deployed members. I understand deployments are difficult and the holidays make them even more challenging. Our calls represent the thanks of our Nation for their sacrifice and and an acknowledgement of the support that their families and friends provide.
Take this opportunity to thank your families and friends as well. They inspire and enable us.
ADM A
