INDIANAPOLIS – Lt. Governor Skillman today presented the Indiana National Guard and the United States Naval Reserves 35,629 Christmas cards from Hoosiers to be distributed to Hoosier servicemen and women around the globe.

Major General Martin Umbarger and Petty Officer Second Class Anthony Speir represented the National Guard and the Naval Reserves, respectively, at a Statehouse ceremony today.

Hoosiers sent the cards for Lt. Governor Skillman’s 4th Annual “Hoosier Cheer for our Heroes” campaign. Last year more than 20,000 cards were shipped overseas and to military personnel training at Camp Atterbury.

“I am touched every day by the thoughtfulness and sincerity of Hoosiers in every corner of this state,” Lt. Governor Skillman said. “These troops deserve our recognition, and all the people that correspond with them deserve some as well.”

In four years of the program, more than 92,000 cards have been sent by Hoosiers from nearly every county.

The National Guard and the Naval Reserves will now distribute the cards to servicemen and women serving overseas as well as some stationed at Indiana bases. The cards will begin shipping as early as today and should arrive around the world in late December.

Lt. Gov. Skillman received cards and letters from various individuals, organizations and groups throughout the state. Many schools, scout groups, churches, military organizations and 4-H clubs participated in the Hoosier Cheer for Heroes letter writing campaign.

“I hope Hoosiers make this a common practice, not just during the holiday season,” Lt. Gov. Skillman said. “Indiana has troops overseas twelve months out of the year, and they always appreciate a kind word.”

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