Bill Clinton

“ While most Americans understand and deeply appreciate the strategic and military value of our National Guard and Reserve forces, too often we fail to recognize or acknowledge the important contributions of their civilian employers. When called upon to share their greatest resource-employees serving as citizen-soldiers-these employers subordinate their own interests for the good of our country, even when they may incur financial hardship and organizational disruption. ”

“ All around the world, with America's help, nations are moving from conflict to cooperation. However, we still face challenges that have taken on new and dangerous dimensions: ethnic and religious violence, aggression by outlaw states, the illegal drug trade, and threats from international terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. The National Guard and Reserve play a vital role in the response of America's Armed Forces to this broad spectrum of challenges to our national security, and they are an indispensable part of the effort to promote peace and democratic values. ”

“ It is only because of the willingness by employers to place our Nation's well-being above their own that our National Guard and Reserve are able to provide mission-ready and accessible forces to help preserve our freedom and protect our national interests. ”