CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, we have had a safe holiday season so far, and I thank you all for keeping safety a top priority for yourselves and your families. However, don't let down your guard ... the holiday season is just getting into full swing.
If you plan to go out and drink alcoholic beverages during the holidays, please ensure that you have a designated driver before you go. Take time to think about your plan -- think before you drink. Take time to become familiar with the safety nets that are available to you. Be a good Wingman -- watch out for your fellow Airmen if you see one that maybe drinking irresponsibly."
Use the 0-0-1-3 guidance to keep yourself out of trouble. Use Airmen Against Drunk Driving if you need it. And don't forget to look out for the other driver. The number of drunk drivers on the road typically increases during the holiday season. Be careful!
I will continue to emphasize the importance of safety in my weekly commentaries throughout the season. I encourage you to take note of these precautions and continue to keep safety at the forefront.
Many thanks to the World Wrestling Entertainment staff for providing tickets to their show Monday. The group was headed to the AOR as part of an Armed Forces Entertainment tour, and the free tickets were given to Airmen who helped organize the tour and get the group out on one of our C-17s. We're glad we could briefly host the WWE group as they help spread morale to deployed troops.
Thank you to those who came out to the Holiday Tree lighting ceremony Wednesday. Thanks to the 437th Services Squadron, particularly Youth Programs, and everyone else who worked so hard to brighten this holiday season for us all.
Today marks a very significant day in our nation's history, the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. On this day in 1941 many Americans gave their lives defending our freedoms. This was a tragic event in our history and it is only fitting that we pay tribute to the memory of those brave Americans who sacrificed their lives for their country. There will be a Pearl Harbor Day ceremony at the Yorktown today at 11:00 a.m. I plan to attend, along with my entire family, and I encourage you and your family to also attend if at all possible.
Team Charleston's highly successful 2007 Combined Federal Campaign has ended. Monetary contributions totaled more than $239,000, a 9 percent increase over last year. Airmen volunteered numerous hours supporting events throughout the community, and the base hosted a tour for 50 underprivileged children. Thank you to Lt. Col. Mike Carter, 437th Operations Support Squadron, who headed up this year's campaign and to all of you whose efforts contributed its success. We made it personal. ... and we made a difference in so many lives across the Low Country. Please see the CFC recap on Page 10 for additional details.
And finally, a reminder that today is the last commander's challenge for 2007. This month's challenge, organized by the 437th Maintenance Group, will be ultimate Frisbee. We have had some fantastic participation throughout the year -- let's try to finish the year with a focus on fitness. I look forward to seeing all of you at 2:30 p.m. at the sports and fitness center.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!