Commander and Command Chief sends holiday message

  • Published
  • By Colonel. Trent H. Edwards & Chief Master Sergeant Louis Orrie
  • 37th Training Wing
JBSA-Lackland --  The holiday season means different things to different people.  It means celebrating with family and friends, often traveling to do so.  It also means being thankful.

We are thankful to be on your team and we are thankful for the hard work of everyone who is a part of our 37th Training Wing team.  Your dedication has brought to close another successful year in 2014.  Together we have focused on training and developing joint force leaders and sustaining global partnerships around the world.  We have lived up to our name as the gateway to the Air Force as well as the Gateway to the Americas.

A successful 2015 begins by ending 2014 on a safe note.  As we enjoy time off during the holidays, keep in mind the theme of  Air Force's mishap prevention theme "Quest for Zero" also applies. holiday safety campaign XYZ.  For the past ten seven years, the Gateway Wing has joined Air Education and Training Command in being striving for fatality-free  holiday season.  During that same period, AETC sustained one fatality, which was pretty remarkable, but more improtantly the goal of zero was achieved 9 of those 10 years and a performance definitely worthy of repeating.  (verify this as a fact) Verified.

A track record like that isn't built without commitment, commitment that starts with leadership involvement and filters throughout our entire organization.  Besides applying smart risk management in our activities and using common sense in our travels, continuing to foster a culture of wingmanship is key to taking care of all our Airmen, whether they be uniformed or civilian.

During our Wingman Days this year, we emphasized that we are all members of a team, working together, taking care of each other and accomplishing our mission.  There is perhaps no more important time of year than the holiday season to underscore that point.  Although the holidays are a time of celebration, the season can be a difficult time for some.  That's why it's so important for commanders, first sergeants, supervisors and fellow Airmen to communicate and stay connected with  our Airmen.

For those who might be having a difficult time during the holidays, we urge you to reach out to a friend or a co-worker who you can trust. Helping agencies like mental health, the military family life consultant and the Chaplain are confidential and trusted resources available 24/7.  There are people here to support you; people who will listen to you and not judge you; people who can help you if you need them.

Throughout the holidays, we ask you to keep in mind all of our deployed service members and their families. Being apart for the holidays can be especially difficult on our spouses and children.  Just remember that even the smallest gesture of support can mean a lot to our deployed members and their families. We encourage each of you to contact the families of your deployed members and make sure they are doing alright.

To all of our Airmen, we appreciate the sacrifices that you and your family make every day in serving our nation. Congratulations on a great 2014 and we look forward to a successful 2015.  Happy holidays and seasons greetings to all.