Press Releases
11/12/2015
Lt. Governor Wyman, CT Military Department Launch Operation Elf
HARTFORD, CT - Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman joined Major General Thaddeus J. Martin and members of the Connecticut National Guard today to kick-off the 13th annual Operation ELF (Embracing Lonely Families) program. Operation ELF assists the families of Soldiers and Airmen who are deployed during the holidays and provides a wide range of support to military families throughout the year.
"We are deeply grateful for the sacrifices made by our military men and women and their families," said Lt. Governor Wyman. "Operation ELF is a great way to directly support military families, and is part of an overall commitment to improving their quality of life. In conjunction with our workforce training initiatives, expanded educational opportunities, housing assistance, and job placement help, Operation ELF helps create a brighter future for our service members and their families."
"The State of Connecticut hosts this generous campaign each year in conjunction with the Lieutenant Governor and myself, giving all of us an opportunity to support and say 'thank you' to the families of those who are admirably serving our nation and are deployed during the holidays," said Governor Dannel P. Malloy. "Not only do the men and women serving in the military deserve our utmost respect, but we also wholeheartedly acknowledge the sacrifices that their families make because of their loved one's commitment to our country. I encourage everyone to give what they can to help these military families."
Established in 2003, Operation ELF's primary goal is to ease the hardship and stress that come with a loved one's deployment overseas. Organizers seek donations of children's toys, gift cards to grocery, department, home supply stores, and pharmacies, as well as donations of fuel oil, snow removal, and home maintenance services. These gifts are distributed by the Connecticut Military Department and are used throughout the year. Donors may also participate in the Adopt-A-Family program to provide essential goods or services a military family needs such as winter clothing, food assistance, and utility assistance.
"Connecticut's service members are forever appreciative for the unwavering support given by Governor Malloy and Lt. Governor Wyman to the Connecticut National Guard, their families, and all of Connecticut's military service members," said Maj. Gen. Martin. "It never ceases to amaze me how the citizens of Connecticut continuously support our Airmen and Soldiers with generosity and selflessness year after year."
Nearly 250 Connecticut National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are currently deployed in support of operations around the world.
Operation ELF donations and gift cards may be dropped off at the following Connecticut military facilities through Monday, December 14, 2015 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Mailed donations should include the donor's name, address, and phone number so that contributions can be acknowledged:
Gov. William A. O'Neill Armory Bradley Air National Guard Base
360 Broad Street 100 Nicholson Road
Hartford, CT 06105-3706 East Granby, CT 06026
Windsor Locks Readiness Center/ Armed Forces Reserve Center
Army Aviation Support Facility 375 Smith Street
85-300 Light Lane Middletown, CT 06457
Windsor Locks, CT 06357
Veterans Memorial Armed Forces Reserve Center New London Armory
90 Wooster Heights Road 249 Bayonet Street
Danbury, CT 06810 New London, CT 06320
Financial donations may also be made through the non-profit Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc., c/o 360 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06105-3796. Donations are tax-deductible.
Additional questions about Adopt-A-Family, donations, or Operation ELF can be directed to Operation ELF at 1-800-858-2677. Information is also available on Facebook.
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For Immediate Release: November 12, 2015
| CPT Mike Petersen |
|
Director, Public Affairs Connecticut National Guard |
| 860.524.4857 (o) 860.883.5336 (m) |
| michael.t.petersen.mil@mail.mil |
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/@LGWyman
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Office of Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman