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A holiday wish from CENTAF/9th AF CC

  • Published
  • By Lt. Gen. Gary North
  • U.S. Central Command Air Forces
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  On December 25, 1776, General Washington led a ragged, hungry and tired force across the Delaware to take Trenton. This was a battle for which the outcome was unsure. 

However, Washington led his Army in a daring crossing during a severe storm to attack the Hessians, mercenaries who were probably more feared than the British Regulars. The Hessians were surprised, and the Continental Army was victorious. 

The outcome of this battle could be considered one of the major turning points in our fledging nation's War for Independence. 

This holiday season, our military forces and those of the coalitions fighting in the USCENTCOM AOR are facing major crossroads in both Iraq and Afghanistan. 

In Iraq, we have seen a dramatic decrease in the past months in sectarian violence. Thousands of war refugees are returning to a safer Iraq than just three months ago. 

Iraqi citizens are banding together in an effort to route out Al-Qaeda in Iraq. These changes can be attributed to the work that our Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors are doing there. 

In Afghanistan, we are seeing a drop in violence in provinces where local commanders and tribal leaders have combined their efforts. 

Our Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Robert Gates recently visited Afghanistan where he toured the Khost Province on the Pakistan border. Secretary Gates stated that the collective efforts there have shown marked improvements in the security in the region
There are literally thousands of examples of the everyday great work our military members and deployed civilians are doing in the USCENTCOM AOR, and as well back in our 9th Air Force Wings and Groups. 

For those deployed this season, and for your families back home, our thoughts, prayers, and thanks are with both you and your families. This holiday season, the gift of "yourself" as you serve is ensuring a positive impact in the AOR from Kyrgyzstan to Djibouti! 

Clearly, both Iraq and Afghanistan are on the path to facing a major turning point in their countries' history much like the Americans on that Christmas Night in 1776. 

For our Airmen and families that are serving on the east coast this season, our many thanks to you and your families as well, especially for the extra efforts you give on the job and in taking care of our deployed member's families. 

David McCullough quotes author Mercy Warren's description of the American spirit during the Revolutionary War in his book 1776. Warren stated that there are "no people on earth in whom a spirit of enthusiastic zeal is so readily kindled, and burns so remarkably, as among Americans." 

The only thing that has changed since the Revolution is that zeal is now kindled by the best Airmen in the world ... those of America's Air Force, who have the honor to serve alongside our Army, Navy and Marines counterparts. 

May you and your loved ones have a happy, safe and joyful holiday season!