SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The base company grade officer council members served breakfast to more than 850 Airmen and soldiers at the dining facility Dec. 25. The council makes it their mission to provide leadership, fellowship and espirit de corps to deployed members of all ranks and branches.
“This breakfast is an opportunity for the company grade officers to serve our fellow Airmen and soldiers during the holiday season,” said Capt. Alex Chesney, base CGOC president. “As leaders, we understand that this is a difficult time for most of our troops as they are away from family and friends. 1st Lt. Michelle Batts and Capt. John Dolan have done a great job organizing and leading this particular event. We hope to show appreciation for everyone here and bring some Christmas joy with a side of chocolate chip pancakes.”
Service members were served their made-to-order pancakes Christmas morning and decorated them with the toppings of their choice.
“Makes me feel like they really care about us,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholaus Wold, 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron ammunitions craftsman. “It’s nice to have some pancakes Christmas morning. It’s a little taste of home.”
The council also provides scholarship opportunities for Airmen striving for professional and personal excellence and development.
“The CGOC is involved in a little bit of everything. From hosting Crud Night every Wednesday to putting on professional development seminars for our young officers,” Chesney said. “As an unofficial activity we try to maximize the positive impact we bring to the base community. The most important aspect of CGOC, however, is fostering fellowship and long lasting relationships with our fellow officers across all Air Force specialties and branches.”
These officers acknowledge the challenging climate of being away from family during the holiday season, while also fostering pride in the mission being accomplished in theater.
“This is my first time being away from my wife and family over the holiday season. Just like the rest of our deployed members, it is difficult at times to stay positive when you are missing out on some important life events,” Chesney said. “However, I know that the mission we are accomplishing here at is having a direct impact in safeguarding loved ones at home.”
The CGOC president added that the mighty 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and aircraft maintainers have done an amazing job bringing the fight straight to ISIS and other adversaries who seek to threaten the nation and its interests.
“I take solace that I am flying combat sorties with some of the greatest young men and women our nation has to offer,” Chesney said. “Fighting the good fight, working with the wing’s extremely motivated CGOs, and witnessing the hard work our Airmen perform daily has made this time a once in a lifetime experience for me, even during the holiday season. ‘T-Bolts Rule!’”