Commander's holiday message

  • Published
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  To the Men and Women of Team Dyess,

As the holidays approach, Marilyn and I would like to take a moment to express our gratitude for each and every thing you do that enables Team Dyess to accomplish our mission. Team Dyess' success is due to the hard work and dedication that you put into accomplishing our mission - providing Dominant Air Power and Combat Support to Combatant and Joint Force Commanders, anytime and anywhere.

Saying thank-you should be part of our daily routine, but we often fail to say a simple thank-you to those around us. I want to thank all of you, including our Team Dyess families, for stepping up to serve and support our great country. Thank you for putting in the long, difficult hours to protect our freedoms. Thank you to the Dyess civilians who have weathered the uncertainty this past year. Thanks to the Abilene community for its fantastic and continued support of those of us here at Team Dyess. And I am especially thankful to have a supportive wife of 25 years and a beautiful daughter willing to come home from college to celebrate Thanksgiving with her mother and father. I hope you reflect on all that you are thankful for this holiday season and take a moment to say thank you to those around you.

This week many of us will be sitting down to our Thanksgiving table, perhaps with family, friends and loved ones, to give thanks for the food we are about to eat. I know that's not the case in many countries around the world and I am truly blessed to live in a place where I am free to celebrate the holidays. It is my sincere hope that during this holiday season you are surrounded by the people that matter most, but also remember that some may not have this luxury. Many folks may be far from loved ones or on duty protecting us so that we may give thanks - please keep them in your thoughts or prayers.

Finally, I hope you take a little extra time to consider safety this season. We've had some icy weather conditions here in Abilene and the forecast calls of significant weather across much of our great nation, so please remember to make safety a priority and have a plan in place. Drive a little slower and be cognizant of what's going on around you. And don't forget to watch out for and take care of your Wingmen.

It is an honor to serve with each of you here at Dyess. I cannot thank you enough for the sacrifices that you make every day. Marilyn and I wish you and your families a happy holiday season!