Eighth Air Force Commander sends holiday message

  • Published
  • By Maj. Gen. Floyd Carpenter
  • Eighth Air Force Commander
Mighty Eighth,

The holiday season is a time to celebrate the people in our lives that bring us happiness and joy throughout the year. In addition to some much needed time off with family and friends, it's my hope that the holidays will also provide an opportunity for reflection about achievements made in 2010 and new goals to be achieved in 2011.

Melissa and I have much to be thankful for this holiday season and we extend our deepest gratitude to our Air Force family and local community for a wonderful and memorable 2010. It was a remarkably busy year for Eighth Air Force and I'm very proud of all that the Mighty Eighth has accomplished for the United States Air Force and our nation. Day after day and week after week, I am continually awed and impressed by the caliber of the Airmen and civilians at our bomb wings and the dedication to excellence that they display in conducting our mission each and every day.

Continued operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and recent tensions on the Korean Peninsula all serve as a reminder that peace can never be taken for granted. We must continue to be steadfast in our ability to perform our dual-role nuclear and conventional mission anywhere in the world and at any time. Our efforts to deter potential adversaries and assure our friends and allies around the world has been a cornerstone of our nation's defense since the end of World War II, and I thank you for all the hard work that you do to provide safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrence and global strike operations.

Lastly and most importantly, please think carefully about safety and be sure to use the wingman concept in your work areas to ensure that everyone in the Mighty Eighth stays safe this holiday season. Please take time to understand the travel plans of coworkers and offer a helping hand or friendly invitation to those who may be alone or distressed during the holidays. Each and every member of Mighty Eighth is vital to the success of our mission and to the health and happiness of our Air Force family. Thank you for your continued dedication and support to Eighth Air Force and I wish everyone a happy and joyful holiday season.