I think back to that conversation and realize how proud I am to serve as Treasurer of such a fine state. Kansans truly understand the sacrifice military personnel are willing to make and want to show our support. Call it Midwestern friendliness if you'd like, but I believe it is the true character of Kansans shining through.

We know the sacrifice because so many of our Kansas families live it each day. In addition to the thousands of military personnel at the different posts and bases across the state, we also have a strong force of citizen soldiers in our Kansas Army and Air National Guard as well as Reservists from the various branches of service. Each day more than 7,700 Guardsmen wake up knowing that they could be pulled away from their families to be deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Mexico border or even places within our state's borders.

It has been a tough year for Kansas. We have had many natural disasters from destructive snow and ice storms in western Kansas to flooding in eastern Kansas. And a very devastating disaster this year was the F5 tornado that nearly destroyed Greensburg. At each of these disasters, Kansas Guardsmen and women responded swiftly. More than 1,000 of your neighbors, friends, sisters, brothers, husbands, wives and co-workers left their homes and families to help fellow Kansans.

When the ice storms hit western Kansas and with only hours notice, Kansas National Guardsmen and women responded by air and road. Some were bringing generators to towns that had lost electricity. Others were transporting hay to stranded livestock. While on their way to assist, a group of soldiers rescued three individuals from their overturned vehicles. The soldiers administered first-aide, directed traffic around the accident, gave the victims their own arctic winter gear for warmth, and sheltered them in trucks until emergency personnel arrived nearly an hour later.

The morning after the F5 tornado, 50 Kansas Guard troops were in Greensburg. Four days later nearly 500 were on scene assisting with recovery efforts. One soldier volunteered to help lead search and rescue efforts in the countryside north of Greensburg even though he knew his home had been destroyed by the tornado.

Kansas Guardsmen and women are also responding to needs around the world. At any given time, the Kansas Guard reports, there are around 1,000 soldiers and airmen either deployed or training up for deployment. They can be found in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Djibouti and other points around the world.

Back in February, the commander of the Kansas Guard, Maj. Gen. Tod M. Bunting, wrote to his troops, "We are the Kansas Guard. We have proven we can perform any mission our nation asks of us." Little did he know that just a few months later his soldiers and airmen would be responding to the needs of fellow Kansans and again proving that they can perform any mission asked of them.

Each November I make a point of remembering and honoring veterans, those who are currently serving, and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Please take a moment to remember three Kansas Guardsmen who have died while serving their state and country this year.

Staff Sgt. David Russell Berry
Sgt. Courtney Dean Finch
Sgt. 1st Class Travis S. Bachman

We owe our respect and appreciation to the men and women who have chosen to protect our state and our nation. Please take a moment to offer a silent word of thanks and for the safety of the many men and women who are currently in harm's way and for their families awaiting their safe return.