FY05 Annual Report Final - STATES - The National Guard

DEPARTMENTS OF THE ARMY AND THE AIR FORCE
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS MILITARY DIVISION
MASSACHUSETTS NATIONAL GUARD
OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
50 MAPLE STREET
MILFORD, MA 01757
Citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
November 1, 2005
On the following pages, you will find our annual report for fiscal year 2005.
I am very proud of our Soldiers and Airmen and what they have accomplished.
Regardless of where we have deployed them, Massachusetts National Guard members have earned a
reputation for professionalism and reliability. Civil and military leaders with whom they have worked, at
home and abroad, have had only positive things to say about our men and women.
The Massachusetts National Guard has continued to play an indispensable role in operations both here
and overseas. Whether supporting the Global War on Terrorism, protecting public safety during the
blizzard this past January, or providing comfort to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, the Massachusetts
National Guard was there.
As the new Adjutant General, leading the men and women of the Massachusetts National Guard has been
both the most demanding and the most rewarding job of my military career. Guard members across the
state have shown me their resolve, honor and courage - and it has been compelling.
Freedom is not free; no one knows this better than our members’ families. It is the Soldier or Airman
who signs up, but it is the entire family that sacrifices during routine training and when our men and
women deploy into harm’s way. The Massachusetts National Guard is therefore committed supporting
our family members through the Family Program Office before, during and after deployment.
Finally, to the leadership and citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I would like to say thank
you for the support you have shown the Soldiers and Airmen of the Massachusetts National Guard and
their families. It is your support that allows us to continue our nearly 370-year tradition of service to both
nation and community.
Sincerely,
Oliver J. Mason Jr.
Brigadier General, Massachusetts National Guard
The Adjutant General
2005 Annual Report 1