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Taking Care of Business and Each Other this Holiday Season

  • Published
  • By Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage
  • Commander, U.S. Air Forces Central and Combined Force Air Component Commander
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  As the weather back home gets colder and holiday decorations announce the arrival of the traditional holiday season, it's important to pause and reflect, to take stock of who we are and what we do as Airmen. Service before self, one of our most important Air Force core values, is an attribute we live day-in and day-out, especially while forward deployed here in the U.S. Air Forces Central Area of Operations. As uniformed members of the most capable all-volunteer force ever fielded, you've consistently raised your hand, reassured by your family's support, and stepped up to answer our nation's call. For many, that is a call you've answered before and will likely will do again. However, especially at this time of year, we must take a moment to honor the commitment and personal sacrifice you and your loved ones make. There's no doubt that being deployed when most other Americans are embracing their cherished ones during the holidays, is tough. The American public we serve has a great deal of respect and admiration for you who sacrifice so much.

For those members of our tremendous AFCENT team who are nearing the end of their rotation, I thank you for your incredible contributions as members of the airpower team. We are proud to be a critical supporting member of the joint and coalition team, enabling our ground component brothers-in-arms to engage in difficult operations against a hardened and adaptive enemy. You've been on-point in this effort and have put in many long hours, whether serving in operations, maintenance, or combat support, each fulfilling integral roles. As you transition back home in the days and weeks ahead, be sure to take extra care of yourselves and try to exponentially make up the quality time missed with those most important to you. Please reassure your families that their love and support is not taken for granted.

The fight continues for those of us who will spend the traditional December holidays in the AOR with our Air Force and coalition family. Even amidst combat operations, we must find time to pause and enjoy the fellowship of serving with each other. I'm amazed at the high caliber of Airmen serving across the AOR and am honored to serve with you. From the Hostage family to you and yours, thank you for being the warriors who allow America and the world to sleep well at night, knowing you are on-point.