Quinn Departs for Maryland to Visit Soldiers

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn on Sunday departed for his annual holiday trip to deliver Christmas cards to wounded soldiers.

This year the outgoing governor is headed to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland. He's delivering cards made by Illinois children.

"I think it's important from the hearts of the people of Illinois, and especially our students, that we send them holiday greetings and wishes for a speedy recovery," he told reporters before boarding a flight at O'Hare International Airport.

Quinn made a similar trip in 2013, but in previous years he's visited U.S. service members in Germany. Quinn has said there aren't as many U.S. soldiers in Germany there as there once were.

Quinn leaves office next month when Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner will be sworn into office.

[NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us