This Christmas, we are reminded of God’s profound gift to humanity through the birth of Jesus Christ—a gift of hope, love, and redemption. This sacred season calls us to reflect on our blessings and extend Christ-like compassion to others, especially those who serve and sacrifice for our freedom. Deployed service members, veterans, and their families deserve not only our gratitude but also our prayers and support as they navigate the challenges of the season.

Deployed Service Members: A Mission Beyond Borders
For service members stationed far from home, the spirit of Christmas often transcends physical distance. Even in the most remote or hostile environments, the message of God’s love brings comfort and strength. Through prayer, letters of encouragement, and care packages filled with scripture and reminders of Christ’s presence, we can affirm their mission and remind them they are never alone. Programs like “Operation Christmas Spirit” allow communities to send not just material gifts, but also the hope of Christ to those who are safeguarding our freedoms.

Veterans: A Legacy of Service and Faith
Veterans have given selflessly to protect our nation, often carrying physical and emotional scars from their time in service. At Christmas, we can honor their sacrifices by sharing the light of Christ’s love. Scripture reminds us in Galatians 6:2 to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Volunteering with veterans’ organizations, offering companionship, or simply sharing the story of Jesus’ birth can remind them of the peace and healing found in faith.

Families: Anchored in God’s Love
Military families embody resilience, often leaning on their faith as a source of strength during times of separation or hardship. Spouses and children who celebrate Christmas without their loved ones demonstrate a steadfast commitment rooted in love and hope. Churches and faith-based organizations play a vital role in supporting these families, hosting prayer services, holiday meals, and programs like “Angel Tree,” which help provide gifts for children of deployed service members.

How We Can Reflect God’s Love This Christmas

Pray: Lift up service members, veterans, and their families in your prayers. Ask for their safety, strength, and comfort in Christ’s presence.

Give: Donate to organizations that provide spiritual and material support to military families. Every act of giving reflects the ultimate gift of Christ.

Encourage: Share scriptures or words of hope with a service member or veteran, reminding them of God’s enduring love and purpose for their lives.

This Christmas, let us remember the words of Jesus in John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, let us live out His message of love by serving those who have served us. Through our actions and prayers, we can bring the peace and joy of Christ to our service members, veterans, and their families, reminding them they are cherished and never alone.

STATE OF CONNECTICUT MILITARY DEPARTMENT 360 BROAD STREET HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06105

December 23, 2025

2025 Holiday Message

This year has shown the strength and character of our force in extraordinary ways. Many of our Soldiers and Airmen are deployed this holiday season, serving far from home. Their commitment, and the support provided by their Families, reflects the very best of what it means to serve.

Throughout the year, you carried out missions at home and overseas with professionalism and discipline. You trained hard, supported our state partners, executed complex operations, and continued to modernize across all formations. Whether deployed or serving here in Connecticut, your dedication kept this organization ready and effective.

The federal shutdown earlier this year created real challenges for many of our Families. I want to acknowledge the stress that came with it and the resilience you demonstrated through that period. Your ability to stay focused and support one another speaks volumes.

As we move into the holidays, I want to reinforce a simple but important message: stay connected. This season can be a difficult time for some, and every member of our formation deserves to know they are valued and never alone. Throughout the holiday season, reach out to each Soldier and Airmen, check in, and make sure they are doing okay. A phone call, a text, or a quick visit can make all the difference. Looking out for one another is part of who we are, and it is how we take care of our teammates.

Every success we achieved in 2025 is a direct result of your hard work. To all of the Soldiers, Airmen, civilian teammates, and Families of Connecticut’s Home Team, thank you for everything you give to this state and this nation.

Please ensure that you make time for Family and friends, look out for one another, and make safe choices. To those serving overseas, you remain in our thoughts. I am proud of each of you, and we stand ready to welcome each of you back home.

Sincerely,

Francis J. Evon Jr.

Major General The Adjutant General

Arthur L. Fredericks Sergeant Major State Command Sergeant Major

Stephanie A. Richard Chief Warrant Officer 5 Command Chief Warrant Officer