A Message to All Americans from Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II

To our brothers and sisters in West Virginia, our brothers and sisters in the West Virginia National Guard, our hearts are broken, but we remain committed to the very ideals that Andy and Sarah swore to defend. We remain committed to their families, to you, and we are so grateful for their service and your willingness to send your best and your brightest. As we continue to conduct Operation Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful, understand how your purpose, your mission, why you serve connects to that. Every American, regardless of what street they come from, what neighborhood they live in, what their background is, they deserve the opportunity to wake up, go to work, eat dinner with their families, go to bed safe and secure. That's what our purpose is, to ensure every American, everyone who walks these streets, everyone who travels these roads, has the opportunity to be safe and secure. Each and every American out there, I ask that you take a moment, reflect, and give thanks that we still have young Americans that are willing to raise their right hand and defend your community and defend this great nation. I ask that each and every one of you take a moment and at your Thanksgiving Day prayers, include Sarah and Andy and their families. And then when you see a soldier, an airman, a sailor, a guardian out on the street, if you know someone serving, please reach out to them and tell them how much you appreciate them and what they do for you. Protect the Capitol. Defend the nation.