Thank you doesn't seem like enough Published Sept. 4, 2007 By Jamie Haig 1st SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Dear Air Commandos: This is the last issue of the Hurlburt Field Commando as a base newspaper. Inside, you'll find photos from the first Commando (then called the Hurlburt HiLites) published July 5, 1962 and an article from the 1st Special Operations Wing History Office on the differences between the first newspaper and the present, modern day version. In 45 years, a lot has changed as far as the way news is reported and what the commanders felt was important information to impart to their troops. From the uniforms, the physical structure of the base, the name of the wing and the addition of the major command - everything transformed and adjusted to the different decades and the ways of the world. But one thing has never changed - the mission and the dedication of the men and women of Hurlburt Field. I've had the privilege of working on Hurlburt Field for the past five and half years in both of the public affairs offices. I've been in countless interviews; escorted media, attended ceremonies, memorials, promotions and retirements. Every time, I've been amazed at the professionalism, camaraderie and skill each Airman displays. My upbringing in Milwaukee, Wis., didn't have the military presence that is here on the Gulf Coast, so I wasn't interested, nor did I have the knowledge of what any of the services did for our country. That changed the day I started working here. I've had the honor of being able to tell the story of remarkable people and their accomplishments in their squadrons and their personal lives. The men and women of Hurlburt Field go above and beyond what is set by Air Force standards. The pride, the diligence, the perseverance of the military, civilian, tenant units and contractors on this base is unparalleled to anything else I've ever known or experienced. Don't get me wrong, I've had the chance to speak with Marines, Sailors and Soldiers from the United States and across the world. All are the serious professionals we have here but none seem to match the tenacity of the Air Commandos. It's my hope and prayers that I be blessed with another chance to work here. Should that not happen, I wanted to tell everyone this: You are appreciated. Despite what you see on the news and in the papers, true Americans know that without you doing the jobs you do every single day - here and deployed - we wouldn't live in the greatest country in the world. I now have a better understanding of what it was like for all of you in Afghanistan in December, 2001, and what it felt like in Iraq in March, 2003. The troubles you encountered - and conquered. The hardships you felt, saw and experienced. The joys you felt seeing that what you did day-to-day paid off with a simple thank you from a child. No matter what your job is at Hurlburt Field, it's important in the entire chain of events here and abroad. I know that you never once gave up. You never surrendered. You never left anyone behind, nor did you hesitate to help another human being. And you were never unwilling to go right back into the fray. When I asked you 'why' during the interviews - the same response came from airman first class all the way to colonel - "I was just doing my job." From the bottom of my heart and soul - I thank you for having the courage to do your job in any circumstance, any situation - "Any Time, Any Place." For without you doing your job, my daughter and I would never know freedom of choice. As the days go on, please know, YOU ARE APPRECIATED!