Defense

Politicians, candidates send special Christmas messages to troops

by Elliot Smilowitz - 12/25/15 4:42 PM ET

Politicians and presidential candidates on Friday used special Christmas messages to thank U.S. service members this holiday season.

{mosads}Three Republican presidential candidates — businessman Donald Trump, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie — tweeted gratitude for the troops.

Trump, the GOP front-runner, pledged to fix problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs, calling out “corruption and incompetence” in the much-maligned agency.

Our great VETERANS are being treated very badly because of corruption and incompetence at the V.A. That will stop, I will fix this quickly!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 25, 2015

Merry Christmas to our troops & their families who are thousands of miles apart. Thank you for keeping us safe. pic.twitter.com/27nT9GDehC

— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) December 25, 2015

Mary Pat and I especially recognize all US Military & @NJNationalGuard who are unable to be home with their families this holiday.

— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) December 25, 2015

It’s through the sacrifice of our military that the rest of us enjoy the freedoms we hold so dear. Thank you and God Bless!

— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) December 25, 2015

Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) shared special video messages for military service members.

#MerryChristmas everyone! This holiday season I shared a message with our troops to thank them for their service. pic.twitter.com/mYehmZgxvm

— Sen. Tammy Baldwin (@SenatorBaldwin) December 25, 2015

Merry Christmas & special thanks to our troops overseas. Thank you for your courage & for all you do to keep us safe https://t.co/VbICAZxdBP

— Senator Roy Blunt (@RoyBlunt) December 25, 2015

Special thanks to all service men & women who are unable to spend the holiday w/ loved ones. Merry Christmas to all. https://t.co/Bu3ZTEerJb

— Senator Mike Rounds (@SenatorRounds) December 25, 2015

Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) celebrated Christmas in Baghdad, Iraq, with U.S. armed forces. He shared photos of the visit on Twitter.

A few hours ago, Rep Cicilline left Baghdad, Iraq after celebrating Christmas with members of the U.S. Armed Forces. pic.twitter.com/sEQV2tcICw

— Rep David Cicilline (@RepCicilline) December 25, 2015

Rep Cicilline met w/Lt Gen Sean MacFarlane, U.S. Charges d'Affaires Jonathan Cohen, and Maj Gen Richard D. Clarke. pic.twitter.com/S8SsWDpAUV

— Rep David Cicilline (@RepCicilline) December 25, 2015

Several other congressmen with military backgrounds tweeted messages for the troops.

Among them were Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), who served in the Air Force and Air National Guard; Rep. Paul Cook (R-Calif.), a retired Marine who served in Vietnam; and Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), a Marine who served in the Iraq War.

This #Christmas and always, let us remember our troops overseas and be grateful for their service and sacrifice.

— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) December 25, 2015

Merry Christmas from Jeanne and me! Enjoy today with family and friends- please remember our troops fighting for us! pic.twitter.com/z2Pnb2hgvo

— Rep. Paul Cook (@RepPaulCook) December 25, 2015

Safe at home, re-reading a Christmas letter my brother sent me in Iraq…Don't forget all the troops still overseas. pic.twitter.com/MZHIMyPDSb

— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) December 25, 2015