BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La., -- December is a busy month full of family, friends and holiday cheer. It's also a time to reflect on the past year and celebrate the special people in our lives, near and far, young and old, whom we hold dear.

In this spirit of reflection and celebration I'd like to thank the men and women of the Mighty Eighth for a remarkable year and a job well done. I know it has been a year of many demands and challenges involving countless missions, inspections and deployments. I am also aware that many of our 8th Air Force Airmen and civilians are deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, far away from those they love. This selfless service and dedication to our nation are just two of the many reasons I am so proud and humbled to be your commander. It is also another example which demonstrates how the strength of the Mighty Eighth comes not from our aircraft or weapons systems, but from the talented and dedicated people who have chosen freely to serve and become a part of our Air Force family.

In this time of war and economic downturn, I ask everyone in 8th Air Force to look after one another and help those who may be quietly struggling during the holidays. Please consider reaching out to singles, spouses of deployed persons and others around us who are separated from family and friends and may be spending the holidays alone.

The Mighty Eighth also derives strength from its diversity, so whether the holiday celebrated is Hanukkah, Al-Hijra, Christmas or New Year's Eve, Melissa and I sincerely wish everyone a happy Holiday Season and all the best for 2010!