Governor LePage and First Lady Honor Recently Returned Soldiers at Freedom Salute Ceremony 

BANGOR – On Sunday, Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage honored recently returned Soldiers of Detachment 14 Operational Support Airlift Command and their families. Eight Soldiers were recognized in Bangor during a Freedom Salute ceremony, which is designed to publically recognize the sacrifice of soldiers, families, employers and friends who have supported them throughout the deployment.

At the ceremony, Governor LePage and Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard and Commissioner of the Maine Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management Brigadier General James D. Campbell reminded soldiers of the rich heritage of the Maine National Guard, the appreciation of the state for their service and the selfless sacrifice an entire family makes when a sSoldier is deployed.

"This afternoon we are here to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of your deployment, as well as the sacrifice of those who have supported you at home," Governor LePage said. "Although we can never give you all the appreciation you deserve, it is important you know how important your service is to our state and nation. Maine is proud of you, and I am proud you.”

Brigadier General James D. Campbell thanked the soldiers, the families and the soldiers’ employers for their unwavering support. “For many of you, this is your second or third deployment. Your continued dedication to duty is admirable, and we owe a debt of thanks not only to those of you in uniform, but to your families and employers as well.”

Detachment 14 Operational Support Airlift Command is stationed at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Bangor, Maine. The unit served with distinction and recently returned to Maine.