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ACC/CC: thank you to Airmen on Thanksgiving Day

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Angelique N. Smythe
  • 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  On Thanksgiving Day Airmen of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing gathered for an Airman's Call in which Gen. William Fraser III, Air Combat Command commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Martin Klukas, ACC command chief, expressed their gratitude for their service, dedication and sacrifices.

During the season when most people would be doing their normal stateside travels to spend the holidays with family members at home, the two ACC leaders flew approximately 6,200 miles from Langley AFB, Va., to be with their Air Force family, the Airmen of the 451st AEW.

Command Chief Klukas offered a thank you from both his wife and himself.
"I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart," he said.

General Fraser also wished the Airmen a Happy Thanksgiving.

"I can't think of a better place I would have liked to have spent it than with you out here," said the ACC commander.

He acknowledged the sacrifices Airmen make in being deployed here and even pointed out the sacrifices of single parents as well.

"Your loved ones have to step up and do something extraordinary, not that all of us aren't, but that is definitely a unique situation," he said. "For those of you who have family members who are taking care of those loved ones who are left behind, be sure you thank them, too, for they are very special indeed."

He was referring to family members who step up, especially at this time of year, to allow Airmen to perform their missions.

The leaders then visited several Air Force units on Kandahar to say thank you for their dedication.

"You are making a difference and we appreciate that very much," he said.