On the recordFebruary 7, 2011
for the past 8 years, MG Thomas Cutler has been the leader of the Michigan National Guard. It has been my privilege to work closely with him in his efforts to keep the Guard prepared for its missions at home and abroad. The people of Michigan have benefitted greatly from his tireless efforts, and Americans and people around the world have enjoyed the benefits of his leadership of the men and women of the Michigan Guard who have served far from home. General Cutler came to his position with extensive knowledge of the full spectrum of the National Guard's operations, having served in command positions in Battle Creek, Alpena and at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, working not only with Air National Guard personnel but in joint operations as well. Over his 8 years, he was an extraordinary advocate for improvements to the State's military infrastructure, improvements that made Michigan's people safer, served units from other States that use Michigan facilities for training, and contributed greatly to the welfare of Guard members and their families. The list of ribbons we have cut and of ground we have broken to modernize Michigan Guard facilities is extensive, and the result is some of the most modern facilities in the nation.
