AMC commander: 'We have a lot to be thankful for'

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- As we gather together with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving next week, we have a lot to be thankful for. As Mobility Airmen, we are fortunate to be able to help others, extending our nation's reach around the globe for good causes! Today, in large part because of your efforts, our nation, and the world, is a safer place to live. You deliver hope, fuel the fight and save lives... and you do it magnificently!

When the nation calls, you answer at a moment's notice, selflessly stepping forward to help others and make a positive difference in people's lives, from Haiti to Afghanistan. Your service demands great commitment and personal responsibility, as well as sacrifices that affect your families. Please, let your families know their sacrifices do not go unnoticed. They are integral to everything we do, and we are very thankful for them.

As we're all part of this great Air Force family, it's important to look out for and help one another stay safe as we enter the winter holiday season. This is the time of year when many of us will drive long distances to spend precious time with our loved ones. However, this can be marred by hazardous road conditions, fatigue, speeding, and alcohol; all of which contribute to fatal driving mishaps. Please plan ahead by keeping safety at the forefront of what you do--it really does make a difference.

This is why the Air Force designated Nov. 19 through Jan. 3 as its Holiday Safety Campaign to raise awareness of these risk factors. All Airmen, civilians, and industry partners are urged to be responsible Wingmen and utilize every resource at their disposal to help ensure we stay safe. Let me add that our Airmen and their families are the foundation of everything we do. By looking out and sincerely caring for one another we can help save lives, and every life saved is something we can all be thankful for.

Diana and I wish all of you are able to spend time with your loved ones this holiday season, but we understand many will be away from home keeping our nation secure in other parts of the world. For those unable to be with family and friends, we sincerely thank you for your sacrifices and look forward to when you'll be able to come home.

We wish you all, at home and abroad, a very safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday.