Another day, another deployed Published Oct. 28, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota servicemembers were immortalized for their honor and valor during the 4th annual Day of the Deployed at the N.D. state capitol building Oct. 26 here. "For many years we have sent our servicemembers across the ocean to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day," said Staff Sgt. Keith Ballard, 5th Bomb Wing public affairs customer service noncommissioned officer-in-charge. "On this day we remember those servicemembers who have deployed, are deployed and will deploy." This day is recognized on Oct. 26 by Soldiers' Angels and many governors across the nation declaring the day of honor with the following proclamation: WHEREAS, this nation is kept strong and free by the loyal citizens who preserve our precious heritage through their positive declaration and actions. "It is so important we continue to recognize our men and women in uniform and their families," said N.D. Governor John Hoeven. "All across this state, they have answered this nation's call to duty. Their sacrifices will not be forgotten. Every deployment reflects a deep sense of patriotism in the name of freedom and democracy." WHEREAS, our deployed service members have courageously answered their nation's call to service by defending our freedoms on foreign lands. "It is fitting we take pause and recognize our soldiers and airmen who are currently deployed during this season of the family," said Army Col. Dale Adams, N.D. Air and Army National Guard. WHEREAS, Americans are encouraged to reaffirm their patriotism and allegiance to our flag and country, and honor the brave men and women currently deployed to protect and preserve our way of life. "We thank you for this proclamation today," said Army Col. Michael Aberle, N.D. National Guard personnel and family support officer. "Because of what you [families and employers] do on the home front, our soldiers can focus on their jobs." WHEREAS, since 2006 Soldiers' Angels has honored our deployed heroes with a day set aside in recognition of their hard work, dedication and commitment to the United States of America. "When my dad is deployed I know he's doing what he can to preserve the freedoms we take for granted everyday," said Sydney Murphy, daughter of Army Capt. Daniel Murphy, a N.D. National Guard member who is deployed to Kosovo. "I want to thank everyone who is deployed." NOW, THEREFORE, Soldiers' Angels hereby proclaims Oct. 26 as DAY OF THE DEPLOYED throughout the United States of America and where ever our service members are serving. Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-led nonprofit, with over 30 different teams and programs supporting all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Volunteers send letters, care packages, and comfort items to the deployed, and support their families here at home. Soldiers' Angels also provide assistance to the wounded, continuing support for veterans, remembrances and comfort for families of the fallen and immediate response to unique situation. N.D. currently has more than 700 servicemembers deployed around the world "supporting America and her allies in the fight for freedom," Sergeant Ballard said. "Currently N.D. has 141 members of the 5th BW and 30 from the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base along with 208 members of the 319th Air Refueling Wing at Grand Forks AFB deployed," he added. "N.D. has long been a strong advocate of the military and we appreciate your continued support of our brothers and sisters in arms." Governor Hoeven showed his appreciation for N.D.'s servicemembers when he said: "We must honor our brave men and women in uniform and may God bless our soldiers, our veterans and their families."