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CFACC gives thanks for deployed Airmen doing the mission

  • Published
  • By By Major Adriane Craig
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA Nov 21, 2007 --  The commander and command chief for U.S. Central Command Air Forces gave thanks to Airmen performing the work of the nation today and everyday in the U.S. CENTOM area of responsibility. 

Lt. Gen. Gary North and Chief Master Sgt. Richard Small kicked off their AOR Thanksgiving tour at Manas Air Base Nov. 21. They were on their first leg of travel and will visit several more locations in Afghanistan and other Southwest Asia locations. 

The CFACC and command chief make it a point to visit every Air Force base during each rotation and were especially pleased to be able make this visit with deployed Airmen at the kickoff of the holiday season. 

"This is an important time. There is probably no holiday more important to our national character than Thanksgiving," said Chief Small. 

"I couldn't be prouder and the chief couldn't be prouder of each of you. It's tough being away at the holidays - it's tough being away at any time - but this is what we do," said. General North. 

And by doing it, the general said, we're enabling our nation to protect millions of Americans. "You are giving the gift of your service to millions of Americans who will never know how committed you are to doing that, so thank you." 

The Air Force has been sustaining operations in the Middle East and Central Asia even before the current conflict. 

"We've done it for so long, so well, so quietly, that it sometimes gets taken for granted," said General North. 

He pointed out that the Air Force came in August 1990, started flying combat missions on Jan. 16, 1991, and has been engaged in combat operations ever since.
"We never went home, and we never stopped working side by side with our counterparts in these nations," he said. 

According to Chief Small, this longevity says a lot about Airmen. 

"We are just thankful for you as individuals, and as collective organizations, and as great Americans who come together and join the fight over, and over, and over again," said Chief Small. "We are fortunate to have people like you wearing the uniform."