Gov. Schwarzenegger's Weekly Radio Address - 11/28/06

[boardman]

NEWS FROM THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
 
GOVERNOR'S WEEKLY RADIO ADDRESS
 
Hi, this is Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with another California Report.
 
On this Thanksgiving holiday, Maria and I join all Californians in honoring and thanking the brave men and women in the military whose service and sacrifice are so important to our national security.  It is truly extraordinary what these soldiers and their families give up when they agree to serve our country in a time of war.  We owe them all our deepest gratitude not just this holiday but on every single day of the year.
 
We see their stories on the news and read about them in the papers and we are reminded everyday of their amazing courage and selfless acts of bravery. We are also reminded of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in keeping America safe and free.
 
Soldiers like Rudy Salcido, an Army National Guard sergeant from Ontario who was 31 years old when he lost his life this month in Baghdad.  Rudy had just gotten married but volunteered for a third tour of duty because he couldn't imagine not being there to help protect his troops.  He was a proud soldier whose father told the local newspaper, "He died for his country. He died for what he believed in."
 
There are thousands of brave men and women from towns all over our state and nation who, like Sgt. Salcido, are putting their lives on the line everyday.  This young man is one of the most recent California soldiers and second California National Guardsmen to die in Iraq and Afghanistan this year.
 
All told, California has lost more than 300 military men and women, including 22 National Guardsmen, in the line of duty since combat operations began.  All of these brave men and women are true heroes who served their country with distinction and honor.
 
So this Thanksgiving, as we spend time with our families and enjoy the bounty of the season, Maria and I join all Californians in saluting our men and women in the armed forces whose commitment to America is the ultimate blessing for us all.
 
Thank you, and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

California Department of Veterans Affairs

 

Veterans News

 
Contact:  J.P. Tremblay
Jerry Jones
Jaime Arteaga
Legislation and Public Affairs
916-653-2192
Fax 916-653-2611
November 28, 2006