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386th AEW Airmen give thanks

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Elsea
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing celebrated Thanksgiving Day with a traditional feast meant to bring a little piece of home to the deployed front Nov. 24 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.

Although no one is necessarily blood-related, the Airmen here quickly become like family.

"The holidays really make you feel the distance between here and your family back at home," said Master Sgt. Jeffery Martin, 386th AEW weapons safety. "Fortunately though we are all feeling it here and it brings us closer together. We are all here fighting the same fight and as we make friends we also make an extended family that we share the holidays with."

In keeping with military tradition, the members of the leadership took turns serving the Airmen at the Dining Facility as a form of thanks for their sacrifices.

The 386th AEW commander, Colonel Michael Zick, also sent out words of thanks to the base population.

"Let me first say thank you," said Colonel Zick. "What you do each and every day is staggering, humbling, and incredibly powerful if you think about it. You support all the 'boots on the ground,' no matter the time of day, the temperature outside, or the location."

Marauders are always there to make it happen, he added.

"You bring honor to all in uniform," said Colonel Zick. "You are America's best; you continually make me proud. When you get a chance today, please take the time to take stock of all the blessings we enjoy as Americans."

Colonel Zick said those blessings consist of:

The love and support we receive from our family and friends.
The love and support we receive from our countrymen.
The love and support we receive from our host nation.
And the love and support we receive from one another and our fellow sister service members.

"All should bring a smile to your face and warm you on this cool, sunny day," said Colonel Zick.