State of Colorado to host Jordan Armed Forces partners, families of deployed Colorado National Guard members at ‘Colorado’s Home’

Photo By Maj. Darin Overstreet | The Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Mike Loh reads a holiday storybook titled, "How NORAD saved Christmas," Dec. 13, 2017, at the Governor's Residence, to children of deployed Colorado National Guard members. By invitation of Gov. John Hickenlooper, Loh hosts families of deployed CONG members at the Boettcher Mansion, “Colorado’s Home.” The governor’s mansion is decorated for the holidays and ready to welcome the children and spouses of deployed CONG members. Senior CONG leaders attended and visited with the families while children enjoyed crafts, cookies, milk, cider and cocoa. “National Guard families make sacrifices while their loved ones serve,” Loh said. “Family support is critical to our readiness to support the warfight and protect the homeland.” Santa Claus arrived during the event in a festively decorated High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle or Humvee. There were also photos with Santa. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Maj. Darin Overstreet)  

CENTENNIAL, CO, UNITED STATES

11.30.2018

Courtesy Story

Colorado National Guard

FOR RELEASE:
Friday, Nov. 30, 2018

CONTACT:
Staff Sergeant Joseph VonNida, 720-250-1058, [e-mail]


CENTENNIAL, Colo. – By invitation of Gov. John Hickenlooper and the State of Colorado, the Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Mike Loh will host Jordan Armed Forces partners and family members of deployed Colorado National Guard members Dec. 3, 2018, at the Boettcher Mansion in Denver, Colorado.

About 75 CONG members have deployed in support of the warfight.
Eight members of the Jordan Armed Forces will attend as part of their cultural day during their second annual Junior Officer Development exchange in Colorado.

“This is a great opportunity for our friends in Jordan to experience an American holiday alongside our National Guard Family,” General Loh said. “This kind of activity is invaluable in building mutual understanding of our common challenges during deployment.”

The governor’s mansion is decorated for the holidays and ready to welcome children and spouses of deployed CONG members.

CONG senior leaders will attend and visit with the families while children enjoy crafts and sweets provided by the CONG Family Programs staff, a visit from Santa Claus arriving in a military vehicle, and a storybook reading by General Loh.

Members of the CONG’s 101st Army Band will provide music during the event.

The event is not open to the public.

Colorado and Jordan formed a strategic relationship in 2004 to promote peace and security through the National Guard’s State Partnership Program. By linking U.S. states with designated partner countries, the SPP supports geographic Combatant Commands by building long-term relationships, improving interoperability, and enhancing military capabilities and the principles of responsible governance.

-30-

• Date Taken: 11.30.2018
• Date Posted: 11.30.2018 12:54
• Story ID: 301816
• Location: CENTENNIAL, CO, US