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Give thanks this holiday season

  • Published
  • By Maj. Gen. Floyd L. Carpenter
  • 8th Air Force Commander
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  In 1621, the Pilgrims set aside a day to be thankful for a plentiful harvest after surviving a devastating winter. This year, as we prepare to sit down to a holiday meal with all the trimmings, we too have much to be thankful for.

We are blessed to live in a country where we enjoy freedom many others do no possess. This freedom came at a high price for our forefathers, and continues to cost our brothers and sisters their lives to protect. Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to all those who fought to give us this freedom, and those who still working daily to protect it, including those from our own Eighth Air Force family. This Thanksgiving, let us remember all those men and women still serving in harm's way who can't be with their families during the holiday season.

We can also be thankful for our spouses, families, co-workers and loved ones, who have all touched our lives in remarkable ways. We could not accomplish our mission here at "The Mighty Eighth" without their unending support. Be sure to take the time to thank them for being there.

I am personally thankful this year for the opportunity to lead this amazing team. It's an honor to serve with each and every one of you in this exciting time for 8th Air Force. You have a lot to be proud of for the work you have done and continue to do each day as we move forward to carry on the legacy of "The Mighty Eighth."

Let us also not forget this holiday season to remember safety as we head into the busiest travel period of the year. It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of the season and forget to apply sound risk management, but please remember when you're taking that long road trip, playing that game of touch football without stretching or cooking that Cajun-fried turkey without gloves on, that taking a few minutes to think about safety before you act can go a long way to prevent common injuries.

Let's make safety our focus for this holiday season, to include taking the time to be a good wingman to those around you. Discuss safety within your workplace and make sure the Airmen who work with you have a reasonable plan for the holidays that takes safety into consideration.

Please enjoy this well-deserved holiday and the thankful spirit of Thanksgiving with your family, friends and co-workers. Thank you for your hard work, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!