Governor, First Lady Host Friendsgiving At Seymour Johnson Air Force Base

GOLDSBORO – On Friday, Governor Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein hosted a Friendsgiving for servicemembers stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro. The Governor and First Lady served meals at the base before sitting down with the airmen for lunch. Seymour Johnson is home to the 4th Fighter Wing, one of the most distinguished fighter units in the world

“Our servicemembers show up for us every single day, and we owe them a debt of gratitude,” said Governor Josh Stein. “It was great to meet Colonel Lohse and some airmen from around the country and have the chance to tour Seymour Johnson. Today reminded me how grateful I am for the courage and bravery of the state’s more than 135,0000 active servicemembers, and Anna and I enjoyed our Friendsgiving with the airmen on base. I remain committed to working toward North Carolina being the most military and veteran-friendly state in the country.”

“Thanksgiving is all about family,” said First Lady Anna Stein. “When our troops are stationed at a new base or are sent out for deployment, it is not just them who are affected but also their families. I am grateful that we got a chance to visit with these brave men and women and share our gratitude for all they do for North Carolina and our country.”

“The Governor’s visit demonstrates a clear commitment to the service members who protect our state and our nation every day,” said North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette. “By sharing a meal and spending time with the Seymour Johnson community, he recognizes not only their mission, but also the people behind it—their dedication, resilience, and the sacrifices made by them and their families.”

“It was an honor to host the Governor and First Lady on base today. Their visit and the time they spent to personally serve lunch to our Airmen means a great deal to our team,” said 4th Fighter Wing Commander, Colonel Morgan Lohse. “Their genuine appreciation for the men and women who serve is deeply felt and we are grateful for their continued support.”

Earlier this year, at Fayetteville Tech Community College, Governor Stein announced that North Carolina is becoming a Do Your Part State, a joint initiative between Blue Star Families and the National Governors Association. Recognizing that community support for military families is crucial to military recruiting and readiness, this initiative helps states identify, prioritize, and implement the most effective policies and programs to support military families.