Guam Army Guard hosts Freedom Salute

The Guam Army National Guard is scheduled to host a Freedom Salute ceremony at the University of Guam’s Field house today, Oct. 5, at 3pm.

The Freedom Salute Campaign is the one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history, designed to publicly acknowledge Army Guard Soldiers and those who supported them during the President’s call to duty for Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

“We are grateful for the tremendous support from our families, friends and communities,” said Maj. Gen. Donald J. Goldhorn, The Adjutant General, Guam National Guard. The sacrifices and contributions that all the island’s deployed soldiers have made are without question, added the general. “They have served with distinction and deserve this day of public recognition, and their successes were made possible because of the unending support of their loved ones,” said Goldhorn.

The Freedom Salute Campaign began December 2003, and has thus far recognized over 100,000 deserving soldiers, family members, friends, employers, centers of influence and other very important persons for their contributions since the terrorists attacks on American soil on Sept. 11, 2001.

The leadership of the Army National Guard considers the campaign first and foremost a recruiting and retention program.

“This is because how an organization treats its people is a direct reflection of the values the organization holds. Parents, prospects, other current members and families will watch closely how the Army National Guard treats its returning soldiers. Conducting these Freedom Salute Campaign programs is a wonderful opportunity to increase awareness in the community of the good work being done by Guard soldiers. Not only does this soldier recognition directly impact recruiting, but it affects soldier retention as well,” said the Guam Army National Guard in a statement.

In a recent survey, soldiers returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom indicated that recognition for their service and sacrifice was one of the most important contributing factors in their decision whether or not they would continue to serve in the Guard.

“This program is not a ‘nice to have,’ ‘good thing to do’; it is a ‘must-have’ and ‘must do well’ program that will continue to impact on the recruiting and retention of our soldiers,” the Guard said. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]