About 26,000 Airmen celebrated Thanksgiving at their deployed locations as they support the Global War on Terror. Airmen remained on the job, providing nonstop airpower and combat support for Coalition forces throughout Afghanistan and Iraq, although many also enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Their hard work did not go unnoticed, however, as the commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces took time to visit Airmen. "I can't think of a more appropriate time to do our business," said Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Central Command's Combined Forces Air Component Commander. "It's tough being away from your families over the holidays, but you are giving the best gift of all to millions of Americans: the gift of your service."

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Give thanks

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Brig. Gen. Charlie Lyon, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, serves the first cut from the Thanksgiving Day turkey to Senior Airman Nikki Pascaul at the Independence Dining Facility Nov. 22 at a Southwest Asia air base. Airman Pascaul is from deployed here from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and her hometown is Honolulu, Hawaii. (U. S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Douglas Olsen)

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Call from the President

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan - (Right) Airman 1st Class Chris Ericksen, a Sioux Falls, S.D., native deployed from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to the 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron in Bagram, Iraq, speaks to President George W. Bush over a speakerphone Nov. 22, 2007. The president wished Airman Ericksen and "all the folks you're with" a happy Thanksgiving. (Courtesy photo)

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CFACC Visit

Tech. Sgt. Annalyn Elsas, 376th Personnel in Support of Contingency Operations, listens as Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Central Command Air Forces Commander, talks with Manas Airmen at breakfast on Thanksgiving Day. The general and Chief Master Sgt. Richard Small, USCENTAF command chief, are visiting Air Force bases in the AOR as the holiday season kicks off. (Air Force Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Stefan Alford)

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Thanksgiving in the AOR

Published Nov. 27, 2007

Give thanks

Call from the President

CFACC Visit