President Bush on Christmas morning called several members of the Armed Forces serving overseas, including two with North Carolina connections, to wish them Merry Christmas and to thank them for their service.

Calling from Camp David, Bush contacted Air Force Staff Sergeant Matt Hise, who is deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan. His mother, Barbra Hise, lives in Raleigh, Rob Christensen reports.

He also telephoned Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class Larry Ambrose, from Edenton, who is serving at Guantanamo Bay, Cluba.

The president asked each of them to serve as messengers passing along holiday wishes to all the troops, according to the White House. He also thanked the members for their “continued sacrifices that they are making in serving our country overseas, and away from family.”

He called nine servicemen and women.

Ambrose supervises and trains six enlisted personnel. He was recently selected as the Port Security Unit 305 Sailor of the Quarter.

Hise is an Air Mobility load planner who ensures equipment and vehicles are certified for airlift and prepares weight and balance for cargo aircraft.