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Hard at work, Airmen celebrate Thanksgiving with deployed ‘family’

  • Published
  • By Capt. Michael Meridith
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan --  While millions of Americans celebrated Thanksgiving Day away from work in the company of their families, Airmen here remained on the job, providing nonstop airpower and combat support for Coalition forces throughout Afghanistan. 

Across the country, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen fueled, loaded, maintained and flew mobility, strike and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, while still others carried out critical expeditionary combat support tasks for Air Force, Army and Coalition missions. 

Their hard work did not go unnoticed, however, as both the commander and command chief of U.S. Central Command Air Forces took time to visit wing Airmen here today to offer thanks for their service. 

"I can't think of a more appropriate time to do our business," said Lt. General 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." 

That sentiment was shared by many Airmen, including maintenance scheduler Tech. Sgt. Terrence Pace, who said "I am thankful for my family and for being able to serve and protect them." 

With thoughts of home at the forefront of many Airmen's minds, General North took time to note that deployed Airmen formed their own unique "extended family" and urged them to appreciate it. 

"Back home, families are gathering around their tables to celebrate Thanksgiving," said General North. "Today, we have an opportunity to gather with our own deployed family here." 

"It isn't easy being away from home," said avionics specialist Senior Airman Patrick Goode, "but having friends here makes it easier and I am thankful for that." 

CENTAF Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Richard Small, echoed General North's comments, adding that through their selfless service, deployed Airmen were ultimately ensuring the safety and security of their families back home. 

"Men and women like you allow our families to sit at the Thanksgiving Day table in safety," said Chief Small. "No matter how good our aircraft are, it is the Airmen who ensure airpower. America sleeps soundly because of what you do every day."