Pittenger meets airmen, families before deployment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER MEETS WITH LOCAL AIRMEN, FAMILIES BEFORE OVERSEAS DEPLOYMENT

CHARLOTTE – Congressman Robert Pittenger returned to Charlotte today to honor and acknowledge the sacrifice of 100 local airmen who are deploying overseas as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

“Last night, I lay awake thinking about the sacrifices of these airmen and their families,” said Congressman Pittenger (NC-09).  “They are volunteering to leave their families, their jobs, and their ordinary lives so that you and I can sleep safely each night.  They are true and honorable patriots.”

During today’s deployment ceremony, Congressman Pittenger made a special effort to speak directly to each child whose parent is deploying overseas.

“They need to know that their mom or dad is a hero, leaving home temporarily for critical duty on behalf of the entire country.  We honor and appreciate the hardships endured by the families left behind, and join them in praying that Mom or Dad returns home safely, and as quickly as possible.”

Congressman Pittenger also invited each family to call his office for assistance with any federal red tape or bureaucratic issues which case problems during deployment.

Approximately 100 members of the North Carolina Air National Guard’s 145th Airlift Wing, based at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, are deploying this week.

High-resolution photos of today’s deployment ceremony are available on Congressman Pittenger’s Flickr page at flickr.com/photos/pittenger/.

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