CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Charleston AFB continues to be "the premier team" in Air Mobility Command's arsenal. In order to maintain this prestigious status, the members of Team Charleston, active-duty Airmen, Reservists, civilians, volunteers and our precious families, carry out the demands of the current high operations tempo environment with dedication, efficiency, and precision every day. Working in this highly rewarding, yet very demanding environment, can make it easy for us to take for granted the warmth, love, acceptance and support our families give us each and every day.
During this time of the year, especially as the holidays are swiftly approaching, it is imperative that we take a step back and remember to appreciate our families, friends and loved ones who selflessly make it possible for us to give so much of ourselves in service to our country.
Reflect for a moment on how often you go home and relate every detail of your day to your significant others without hesitation. Reflect on how you depend on these individuals to act as sounding boards, helping you work through your frustrations and calming you down during those times when you may be a little too worked up about an insignificant issue. They often offer advice or simply lend an ear to listen. Hopefully you return this favor in kind, but even if you do, it is important to note that our families and friends choose to listen even though they are not compelled to do so. It is this choice that makes families and friendships so amazing and so worthy of our thanks, love and appreciation.
As the holidays approach this year, those of us who are warm and safe in the company of our families should reflect on how fortunate we are. There are thousands of our brothers and sisters, not just in the Air Force, but across the services, who are protecting our nation's values overseas away from their families. Their sacrifices make it possible for us to enjoy the freedom we have to celebrate the holidays. It's easy to take for granted that morning goodbye kiss between husband and wife, the boundless energy and excitement your kids show you when you get home, even the wagging tail of the family dog greeting you faithfully at the door each and every day.
Please remember, as you gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, to include those fellow servicemen and women and their families in your prayers who are unable to enjoy the same luxuries of being together during this special time of the year. Take time to remember those who cannot be with you and make it a priority to have a safe holiday, enjoy your family and friends, recharge your body and mind through fitness and spiritual activities and give thanks for your blessings.