HARTFORD, Conn. –
HARTFORD, Conn. – Maj. Gen. Fran Evon, Adjutant General and Commander of the Connecticut National Guard, announced that the annual holiday party for Operation E.L.F. (Embracing Lonely Families) will be held Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the Governor William A. O’Neill Armory, here.
This event is open to the media beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Operation E.L.F. helps the state’s military families ease hardship during the holidays and address the financial stresses of deployment throughout the year.
“The stress that comes with having a loved one deployed is never easy for those back home,” Evon said. “Our Soldiers and Airmen are balancing their operational mission where they are and their families back home; that can be an exceptionally challenging task. Operation E.L.F. is one of the ways we can take care of these families and help our Service Members maintain that balance. We are incredibly grateful for everyone who contributed to this important program.”
Over 500 Connecticut Guardsmen are in the deployment cycle, meaning a loved one is currently deployed, preparing to deploy, or recently returned from a deployment.
“The outpouring of support and generosity has been incredible to see, thank you so much to everyone across the state who donated, coordinated efforts, and spread awareness for our deployed Service Members and their families this holiday season,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “These families are already making sacrifices with their loved ones deployed or deploying and that can make this time of year difficult. I am so proud that Operation E.L.F. is there to support them. This is my first year with the program and I want to give a special thanks to the wonderful team at the Connecticut Military Department for their hard work in organizing this important event each and every year.”
William A. O’Neill Armory GPS Address: 360 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06105
Building Access/Media Parking: Available. Media wishing to attend MUST coordinate with Mr. Tim Koster, Public Affairs Office, 860-524-4858 or
timothy.r.koster.civ@mail.mil.