Alabama soldiers

Hundreds of our National Guard and Reserve members are deployed overseas. Alabama, although small in population, has the fifth largest National Guard strength in the nation. Consequently, many of our Alabama units are vital to the war plan and our national defense.

I am writing to encourage you and your congregation to be aware of the unit(s) in your area and their particular status and needs. For the soldiers, sailors and airmen who are deployed, one of their biggest concerns is not themselves, but their families back at home.

Please contact your local unit and place them on your church’s prayer list. Develop an ongoing relationship so the unit and family members will feel comfortable to call upon you during the long months ahead.

Allow the Lord to use you to open doors to our military families.

To determine the National Guard unit in your area, contact the Public Affairs Office of the Alabama National Guard, Montgomery, at 334-271-7244, 334-271-7243 or 334-270-2982. You can also get a listing of mobilized units on the Alabama National Guard Web site at alguard@state.al.us.

Larry D. Layne
Montgomery, Ala.