Season's greetings from the Governor's Mansion - Governor and Mrs. Bobby Jindal honor families of deployed Guardsmen

Photo By Sgt. Beyonka Joseph | Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal greets children of deployed Louisiana National Guard Soldiers at a ceremonial Christmas tree lighting at the Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge, La., Dec. 5. The children were presented with coloring books and had their pictures taken with the Governor and Santa Claus.  

BATON ROUGE, LA, UNITED STATES

12.06.2008

Story by Sgt. Beyonka Joseph 

Louisiana National Guard

By Sgt. Beyonka D. Joseph
Louisiana Army and Air National Guard

BATON ROUGE, La. – Families of deployed Louisiana National Guard Soldiers gathered at the Governor's Mansion to kick off the holiday season with Governor and Mrs. Bobby Jindal during a ceremonial Christmas tree lighting in Baton Rouge, La., Dec. 5.

"Tonight we are honoring the families of real heroes from the Louisiana National Guard whose mommies and daddies couldn't be home for Christmas," said Jindal minutes before the big tree lighting. "We couldn't think of a better group of children to invite into our home and tell them how much we appreciate their parents' sacrifices."

The ceremony was inspirational for families of deployed LANG Soldiers coping with the absence of their loved ones during the holiday season.

For Latesha P. Pigford and five-year-old Xavier, wife and son of Spc. Omar K. Pigford, who recently deployed to Iraq with the 39th Military Police Company, 773rd Military Police Battalion, the ceremony was more than just a simple tree lighting. It was an event honoring the hard work and sacrifices her husband has made in service to his country.

"Though its been tough for Xavier, the letters, phone calls and events like this really help to lift his spirits and bring some holiday cheer into our lives," said the Baton Rouge, La., native. "It makes me feel that the families of our Soldiers are important and not forgotten."

The event was sponsored by the Louisiana Governor's Mansion Foundation and used tree ornaments decorated and donated by elementary school students from all over the state.

Holiday carols were performed by the Avoyelles Public Charter Middle School as children of the deployed Guardsmen gathered around to present their Christmas lists to Santa and get their pictures taken with him.

"My heart goes out to the troops for their continuous efforts," said Edward C. Williams, a member of the mansion's kitchen staff. "It's nice to know that we can put on an event to show the families of the deployed Soldiers that they are supported."

• Date Taken: 12.06.2008
• Date Posted: 12.16.2008 12:28
• Story ID: 27757
• Location: BATON ROUGE, LA, US