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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Rep. John James, R-Mich., and Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., addressed the 146th NGAUS General Conference and Exhibition in Detroit last weekend.
Whitmer received the Harry S. Truman Award — the association’s highest honor — Saturday.
To be considered for the Truman award, recipients must have made sustained contributions of exceptional and far-reaching magnitude to the defense and security of the United States in a manner worthy of national recognition.
Whitmer was recognized for "fighting for service member benefits while ensuring the Guard has modern equipment and facilities to prepare for future conflicts" during her ongoing second term as Michigan’s governor.
She was also instrumental in securing over $2 million in state funding to support the association’s conference in Detroit.
"I’m really humbled to receive this award," she said. "I will keep working to enhance defense and security of the United States and continue to make a difference in the lives of our service members, veterans and their families."
Whitmer acknowledged the National Guard’s responsibilities, including assisting law enforcement domestically and supporting global security.
"As members of the National Guard, you are a part of one of the finest military forces, not just in America, but around the globe," she said.
"I speak for every American, and I know I speak for every Michigander, when I say we are so grateful for your sacrifices and your service to make us safe," she added. "You make every one of us proud and are the best in public service."
James addressed the readiness challenges facing the Guard — particularly the Michigan Guard — during his remarks Saturday.
He said the Michigan Guard is often asked "to do more with less" in terms of deployments.
"We wonder why retention is such a struggle when burnout and lack of pay parity is the reality for so many Guardsmen," James said.
James served eight years of active-duty military service as a Ranger-qualified aviation officer before being elected to Congress.
He led two Apache platoons in combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2007 to 2009.
"My rule in combat right now is the same as it is in Congress: to serve you," he said. "You are the best.
"You are boots on the ground," James continued. "You deserve all the accolades and every bit of support from Congress."
Peters — a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee — acknowledged that Congress must continue supporting the Guard in his remarks Sunday.
"Throughout my time in the U.S. Congress, I have been a proud advocate of the National Guard," he said.
Peters spoke about investing more funding into the Guard. For example, he cited the Guard’s cybersecurity mission as one place for potential investments.
"The National Guard plays a critical role in our cybersecurity defenses," he said. "Your cybersecurity missions highlight an essential quality of the National Guard."
Peters added that funding must also be invested in the Air Guard, such as money for upgrading and replacing aging aircraft.
"All of them deserve upgraded fighters, and we are going to keep fighting for that," he said.
"You have my commitment that all of you will have state of the art equipment you need to do your job," Peters asserted.
Videos of the remarks Whitmer, James and Peters each made at this weekend's NGAUS conference will be available soon through the association's YouTube page.
— By Donald Lambert
