President Obama and Defense Secretary Ash Carter called several servicemembers to wish them a happy Thanksgiving, officials said Thursday.
Obama thanked nine different members for their service and wished them a happy holiday. The president spoke with two members of the Army, two members of the Navy, two members of the Air Force, two members of the Coast Guard and one Marine.
Carter thanked four service members for their service to the country and said he knows how difficult it is to be separated from their loved ones during the holidays, according to a release from the Department of Defense.
Carter also thanked U.S. troops for their service to the nation and in supporting America’s allies and partners, adding that those who support U.S. service members and their families at home have an important role as well, according to a Defense Department news release.
Carter spoke with the following members:
- Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Edward Roseman, 33, of Coconut Creek, Fla.
- Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Mitchell Lander, 30, of Irwin, Pa.
- Navy Reserve Lt. Kyle Fitzpatrick, 33, of Philadelphia
- Air Force Airman 1st Class Jake Pullen, 19, of Kenosha, Wis.
