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WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today offered the following message to the men and women of Missouri’s Army National Guard 1140th Combat Engineers Battalion, which returned home this morning at ceremonies held in Cape Girardeau, Sikeston, Perryville, and Farmington:
March 1, 2005
To the men and women of the 1140th, their families, friends, and fellow citizens:
It seems like a long time ago the brave men and women of the 1140th left for Iraq. A lot
has changed in that 14 months. But as sad as we were to say goodbye then – we are equally as overjoyed to now say “Welcome Home”!
Some of you have babies you are seeing for the first time. Some of you see how your
children have grown. And all of you are reunited with a community that missed you deeply and never faltered in its support of you while you were gone. We see you in a new light, too. The word hero is going to be used a lot in the next few weeks, but it really is the best word to describe the character and courage of your service to our nation.
I really regret that I cannot see all of your smiling faces today, as I am in Washington,
D.C. But I have two messages to communicate with this letter. The first is to let you know that, while you have returned to your Missouri home and will trade in your military uniforms for the uniforms of Moms and Dads, skilled workers, and public servants, we will not forget the debt we owe to you. Our support will be consistent and strong in the months and years ahead. The door of my office, and that of every official here today, is always open to you should you need us for any reason.
The second message is simple and short. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God bless you for your service and for your safe return to us. God bless you all, and God bless the United States of America.
Very sincerely,
JO ANN EMERSON
Member of Congress
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