Lt. Governor Simon records holiday greeting for troops

CHICAGO – Standing below the historic Chicago Theater marquee with members of the Illinois National Guard, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today recorded a holiday message to thank military members serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and across the globe for protecting our freedom and keeping us safe.

Simon encouraged others to express their gratitude and spread holiday cheer through the new “digital care package” project launched by the Illinois Center for Broadcasting. Military families and supporters can record a free message at the ICB’s south State Street studio through December 16, and the school will distribute the messages to members of the U.S. Army and Illinois National Guard who are stationed away from home at the holidays.

“Even though our service members stationed around the world can’t be with us this holiday season, messages like these are reminders that they are always in our thoughts,” Simon said. “We are proud of their service and we are praying for their safe return. I encourage all that are able to send a warm greeting from home to our service members stationed across the world this holiday season.”

As chair of the state’s Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC), Simon works to preserve military installations throughout the state and provide support for military members and their families.

"We are so thankful for the sacrifices made by our troops and veterans every day, and especially throughout the holiday season," said William Natale, Executive Director of the Illinois Center for Broadcasting Chicago Campus. "Our students and staff are humbled by this opportunity to express their gratitude alongside Lieutenant Governor Simon, and we are proud to reside in a state where our leaders take an active role in projects such as this."

For more information on the digital care package project or to schedule a recording, contact the ICB Chicago campus at 312-884-8000 or the Lombard campus at 630-916-1700.