Connecticut
CT politicians condemn attack on Israel, laud work of U.S. pilots and reconnaissance crews
As the United States Sunday highlighted its role in helping Israel thwart Iran’s aerial attack, lawmakers in Connecticut condemned what occurred and reiterated support for Israel.
Rep. John B. Larson, D-1, said Sunday, “We stand with the people of Israel in the face of this drone and missile attack from Iran.
“I commend President Biden for his statement underscoring the United States’ ironclad support for Israel,” Larson said in a statement Sunday. “I further applaud Mitch McConnell for calling on Congress and his House counterparts to pass the supplemental (bill) that the President has had in front of Congress for five months.
“The Senate has acted. The House needs to act this week. Speaker Johnson must bring the national security bill passed by Republicans and Democrats in the Senate to the floor for a vote as the first priority when we come back to the House on Monday. Congress should stay in session until we get this done. The world is watching.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday he will try to advance wartime aid for Israel this week as he attempts the difficult task of winning House approval for a national security package that also includes funding for Ukraine and allies in Asia.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said on Twitter late Saturday, “At this moment of serious danger, my hope is that America will stand strongly & steadfastly with Israel to help protect against Iran’s destructive attack, deter escalation, & safeguard our own armed forces & interests. My heart goes out to all who are in harm’s way.”
State Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding also condemned the attack on behalf of his caucus.
“The Connecticut Senate Republicans stand with Israel and condemn Iran’s attacks in the strongest of terms. We condemn Hamas and its terrorism,” Harding said in statement Sunday.
“For any government official to be supporting Hamas in any way, shape or form is absolutely unacceptable on every single level,” Harding said. “As a state and nation, we must continue to support our strong ally Israel in its efforts to protect its citizens, to get the hostages released and to hold all Hamas operatives accountable for the heinous massacre that happened on Oct. 7.”
As the more than 300 drones and missiles headed toward Israel in the early hours of Sunday, the country was able to successfully put to the test its aerial defense array, which, along with help from allies, blocked 99% of the projectiles and prevented any major damage.
Iran’s attack on Israel raises fears of a wider war, but all sides have also scored gains
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2, said, “the successful multinational effort to intercept over 300 drones and missiles indiscriminately launched at Israel saved countless innocent lives.
“U.S. pilots and reconnaissance crews performed with flawless precision, incurring zero casualties which is a reason for all Americans to express gratitude. The emergency meeting of G7 nations called by President Biden to prevent escalation is also welcome news,” Courtney said in a statement Sunday.
“When the U.S. House reconvenes this week, it is imperative that Speaker Johnson bring the Senate-passed national security supplemental bill up for a vote so we can replenish our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan with the defensive tools they need. This measure passed the Senate two months ago and Iran’s strike—along with Putin’s ongoing invasion—clearly shows there is no excuse for any more foot dragging.”
Biden convened leaders of the Group of Seven countries in an effort to prevent a wider regional escalation and coordinate a global rebuke of Tehran.
The Associated Press contributed to this post.
Connecticut
Gifts of Love provides for Connecticut families in crisis
Connecticut
Connecticut National Guard families come together for annual holiday event
HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) — On Saturday morning, families of the Connecticut National Guard gathered for an annual event designed to provide support and comfort during the holiday season.
Operation Embracing Lonely Families has been a tradition for 23 years, offering much-needed support to military families separated from loved ones who are deployed.
The event focuses on easing some of the financial burden and emotional stress that military families face during deployments, especially during the holidays.
“It’s an enjoyment because it brings everyone closer during the holiday so they can still be around their family too,” said Newton Maldonado, a National Guard soldier.
One of the attendees, Nicole Scalora, whose husband was recently deployed to Africa for a year, shared the challenges of military life.
“It’s tough. We have to take it one day at a time. Doing everything at home by yourself, not having that shoulder to rely on can be difficult. But I have a lot of family and a lot of support, so that helped a lot. Also, the military is constantly reaching out. Making sure that we’re good and that if we need help, they’re there,” she said.
Saturday’s event included treats and toys for the families, as well as a visit from Santa Claus.
The tradition, which began under former Governor Jodi Rell and continued by each subsequent Lieutenant Governor, has become a symbol of appreciation for those who serve and their families.
While this year’s ceremony was smaller in scale, organizers are expecting the event to grow significantly next year, with nearly 800 families anticipated to attend.
These families are affected by the various deployments of National Guard members overseas.
Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz expressed her gratitude, noting, “, I’m really glad for the people of Connecticut that our celebration is rather small, because it means our national guard families are here at home celebrating.”
The event remains an important opportunity for the community to come together and honor the sacrifices made by military families throughout Connecticut.
Copyright 2024 WFSB. All rights reserved.
Connecticut
Several vehicles and outdoor furnace destroyed in fire in Woodstock
Several vehicles and an outdoor furnace were destroyed in a fire in Woodstock on Friday night.
Firefighters from Muddy Brook Fire Department responded to Paine District Road around 9 p.m. for a report of a detached garage on fire with exposure.
When fire crews arrived, they said they found a 20′ by 20′ building with fire throughout.
According to fire officials, several vehicles and an outdoor furnace were destroyed in the fire.
The fire did not spread from the building of origin and no injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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