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Thanksgiving Day Message

  • Published
  • By Lt. Gen. Gary L. North
  • Commander, U. S. Central Command Air Forces
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  When the Mayflower arrived in the "New World" in 1620, the settlers faced a harsh winter marked by starvation and disease. Despite the difficulties, none of them chose to return to England with the Mayflower.

In October 1621, their fortunes changed. The Pilgrims welcomed a successful harvest so plentiful, they had enough food to store through the winter. In recognition of their blessing, they held a meal of thanks that later grew into a national day of thanks that we simply call "Thanksgiving." It's the day we count our blessings and say thanks to those who made it possible.

Each year since then, we have gathered as a nation, as families, and for us in the military, around the world, to give thanks for all the blessings we share as people in a free, democratic, United States.

As we celebrate that day this year, I want to thank you, our incredible Airmen, who make our many successes in the U.S. Central Command Air Forces possible. To those on the front lines of combat all over Iraq; our aviators, maintainers, logisticians and space leaders who make air and space power a reality; the medical professionals and volunteers working to mend and comfort the wounded in our AOR hospitals; the Airmen building hope as part of Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan; our intel, security forces, OSI and services professionals, and everybody in between....thanks...you are awesome.

A special thanks as well to the operational staff leaders of all services and the Coalition and ISAF forces in the Combined Air Operations Center and all our military warriors, USAF civilians and contractors throughout the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. You have all made the sacrifice of service before self supporting OIF, OEF and JTF-HOA, and you do so with an unmatched level of pride and dedication.

You know, as our families and loved ones back home understand as well, that you are an integral part of our long war on terror, and you are making a difference during your rotation in the AOR. It shows through in your outstanding performance everyday in the combat zone, at the headquarters and in reach back support.

My thanks for your courage, patriotism and selfless service, and my thanks and appreciation to your families for their support as well. Happy Thanksgiving...as we go about our day in the AOR, pause to reflect on our humble start as a nation and those many things we hold dear to be thankful for on Thanksgiving day, and everyday.