AFSOC commanders' holiday wishes

  • Published
  • By Lt. Gen. Michael Wolley
  • AFSOC commander
I'd like to wish you and your loved ones a happy and blessed holiday season. It has been a fantastic year to be in Air Force Special Operations Command, and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of you.

We have achieved great things this year, including adding three remarkable aircraft into our inventory -- the U-28, the MC-130W and the CV-22. We stood up the 11th IS, got the 3rd SOS up and running and re-designated the 1st SOW. We laid the ground work for establishing our western base at Cannon AFB. Then we topped it all off with a first class commemoration of the USAF's 60th Anniversary. Many of you are also involved in additional projects that greatly enhance special operations and our nation's capability to fight and win the Global War on Terror.

Meanwhile, our deployed Air Commandos continue to prove their mettle in the most hostile parts of the world -- and they're doing it with the courage, strength and quiet professionalism that are the hallmarks of Air Force Special Operations and the nightmare of America's worst enemies.

For everything we've accomplished this year, none of it came easy -- and all of it is a tribute to your hard work and dedication. It's you, the men and women of AFSOC, who made it happen, and I sincerely thank you for making this year in our command so noteworthy.

This has also been another year of tremendous sacrifice for everyone fighting the global war on terror, a war that doesn't pause for the holidays. While many of us are busy celebrating and spending time with our families, we must never forget the extraordinary service of our fellow Air Commandos and brothers and sisters in arms overseas during the holidays. Every day they put their lives on the line to fight for humanity's greatest gift -- freedom. They are worthy of our deepest gratitude and respect.

With many of our fellow Air Commandos unable to be with us to celebrate the holidays, many families will have an empty seat at their holiday tables. Reach out to these Air Commando families this season, include them in your holiday festivities and let them know they are in our hearts and prayers.

Air Commandos, you have worked hard, sacrificed much and made AFSOC more capable than it's ever been. I'm honored to work with such an extraordinary group of men and women. Thank you for all you do to make our nation the best on Earth.

Kathy and I wish you and your family a very safe and happy holiday season.