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AFCENT commander sends holiday message to deployed

  • Published
  • By Lt. Gen. Gary North
  • U.S. Air Forces Central Commander
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Rain, snow and cold temperatures are swiftly moving into Iraq, Afghanistan and the 18 other countries in the U.S. Central Command AOR, where more than 25,000 Airmen are deployed this holiday season. 

While the holidays serve as an opportunity for get-togethers among families and friends, those of us deployed, continue to serve where our country needs us, which is far from home as the New Year approaches. 

The holiday season often makes being separated from loved ones feel more pointed, for both us and our family members. For our families back home, as they gather and celebrate the holidays they know their mother or father, brother or sister, son or daughter, is serving far away in harm's way, defending the freedom's we enjoy. 

Though we can't celebrate the holidays with our loved ones, I encourage you to take the time to call, e-mail or send a letter to let them know they are central to our thoughts. While we're deployed, it is easy to, and a must do to focus on mission and duties, but we should also remember to keep those connections to our families and friends strong, especially this time of year. 

I know each of you realize that you and your families' sacrifices and services are appreciated by a grateful nation and are absolutely necessary to ensure the safety and security of millions of people in the U.S., the Middle East and throughout the world. Simply put - "Thank you!" 

From snow-covered battlefields and icy fox holes throughout Europe during World War I and II -- to wet tents and soggy camp sites in Vietnam -- to every other past war and conflict, American service members and their families have made countless sacrifices with the knowledge and understanding that serving in the Armed Forces enables generations of Americans to enjoy the holiday season and to enjoy your greatest gift to them - the gift of freedom. 

Today, you carry on these examples of service before self, from the mountains of Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan and the deserts of Iraq and Southwest Asia, to the shores of Djibouti. 

Your senior Air Force leadership is proud of each and every one of you. Your service is truly making a difference! 

To all friends and families of deployed Airmen, thank you for your unwavering support and sacrifice. To all deployed Airmen, thank you for your dedicated service. May the joys of the season enable both you and your families to continue to appreciate your "gift of service" to our Air Force and our nation. Again - Thank you!