A source of pride for all Alabamians is our state’s rich heritage of military service and broad public support for the men and women who serve our country in uniform. From Bataan to Bosnia to Baghdad, the sacrifices of Alabama soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have liberated millions and made the world safer for millions more. With more than 7,800 National Guard and Reservists called to active duty since the September 11 attacks, no other state our size is contributing more men and women to the war against terror.

I believe this remarkable level of service gives Alabamians a deeper appreciation than most Americans for our military personnel deployed overseas and their families back home. We Alabamians are a grateful and caring people eager to do all we can to support our troops and assist their families.

To help better organize citizens across the state in expressing our gratitude, and to provide the highest level of assistance we possibly can to our military personnel and their loved ones, I created Operation Grateful Heart.  Alabamians can be proud our state is again leading the way as the first state in the nation to have such an initiative.

A state that is so proud of those who wear our country’s uniform should never forget to express its eternal gratitude to all these heroes - and their families - who have sacrificed so much for us.

Sincerely,

Bob Riley