Washington, DC – Oklahoma’s senators and representatives sent care packages Friday to servicemembers of the Oklahoma National Guard’s 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, currently on a deployment to Afghanistan.

It’s been a very difficult week for the 45th. Four members have died in three separate attacks, including the latest Thursday. The care packages sent by Oklahoma’s delegation were coordinated by Jane Horton, a congressional summer intern for Senator Jim Inhofe’s office. She’s the wife of Specialist Christopher Horton of the 45th.

"The servicemen and women of the 45th IBCT truly define the patriotic spirit of Oklahoma and our nation," said Inhofe. "Their selfless service to our nation is commendable, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to meet with these soldiers in Oklahoma and at Camp Shelby days before their deployment. These care packages are a small way of expressing our continued gratitude for their loyal service to our nation. As we keep each man and woman of the 45th in our prayers, I look forward to the day we welcome these soldiers back home. May God bless each one and bring them back safely."

"The men and women serving in Oklahoma’s 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team embody the true meaning of sacrifice," added fellow Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn. "While it is easy to get distracted by issues we face here at home, I ask all Oklahomans to join me in praying that all our troops accomplish their mission and return home safely."

"Members of Oklahoma’s 45th brigade are doing our state and our nation proud through their continued service – they are sacrificing so much to defend our freedoms and it’s important for them to know how much they are respected and appreciated," said Representative John Sullivan. "These care packages will serve as a reminder of how grateful we are for their service in protecting our safety, and it is my hope that these items will bring them strength and courage in the days ahead. I’d like to thank Senator Inhofe and his staff for spearheading this effort, and I proudly join my Oklahoma colleagues in sending these care packages, as well as our continued thoughts and prayers for a successful mission and a safe return home."

"Members of the 45th are the pride of Oklahoma," said Representative Dan Boren. "Sending them care packages is just one thing we can do to thank them for their service and sacrifice during this deployment. I look forward to the day when we can welcome these brave men and women home and reunite them with their families and friends."

"It is an honor to support the Members of Oklahoma’s 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Afghanistan by sending them care packages that shows our continued support," added Representative Frank Lucas. "It is the least we can do to show our appreciation for their willingness to put their lives on the line to fight for our freedom in the United States. I also want to thank Senator Inhofe and his staff for showing leadership in coordinating this thoughtful effort, and we will continue to pray for our men and women serving in the war in Afghanistan. I can only imagine how meaningful it is to our troops serving oversees to know the folks back home are thinking about them."

"We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Oklahoma’s 45th brigade and their families for the service and sacrifice they give on our behalf," said Representative Tom Cole. "I’ve met with numerous Oklahomans serving in Afghanistan, and I’ve seen firsthand that their skill and dedication are unsurpassed.  It is my hope that these care packages will help demonstrate the appreciation and pride our state has for these brave fellow Oklahomans."

"The soldiers of Oklahoma’s 45th Infantry Brigade know firsthand the meaning of commitment to country," said Representative James Lankford. "We are unquestionably proud of our fellow Oklahomans and their unwavering dedication to protecting our nation. These care packages are small in comparison to the sacrifices our troops are selflessly making every day to ensure our safety. We are honored to honor them."

Members of the 45th have been in Afghanistan since June and are expected to return home early next year.

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