Commentary: Commander thanks Airmen, families

  • Published
  • By Col. Randal L. Bright
  • 512th Airlift Wing commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the 512th Airlift Wing for your service during the past six years as we continue to fight the Global War on Terrorism. 

Some of you are new to the Air Force Reserve and others may not have had an opportunity to deploy, but your service is just as vital to the war effort. 

Many of you have served through mobilizations or voluntary extended orders here or in a deployed environment stateside or overseas. 

All of you have participated and continue to do your part for our country. Your service was and is remarkable, and you should be proud of your accomplishments as I am proud of you. 

I'm honored to announce that Dover Air Force Base was selected as the Air Mobility Command's Commander in Chief's Installation Excellence Award winner. 436th Airlift Wing Commander Col. Steven Harrison wanted to make sure members of the 512th Airlift Wing understood this is a Team Dover award. 

He went on to tell me, "We couldn't have done it without our team mates on the 512th side! This is a Team Dover effort - we win or lose as a team!" 

We are proud members of the Air Force's Preeminent Expeditionary Airlift Team, Team Dover. Colonel Harrison and I are working hard to draw down the barriers we have all felt throughout our careers between the active and reserve components. We are the Total Force; we win or lose as a team; and, we are the unrivalled wingman! 

Congratulations on this victory and now we compete, as a team, for the Air Force's Installation Excellence Award! 

I hope you spent a very enjoyable Thanksgiving with family or friends in a healthy and safe environment. As Americans, we do have much to be grateful for, and please realize your service is what makes it possible for our nation to celebrate the holidays in freedom. We are fortunate to live in a country that allows us to spend our holidays whichever way our religion observes or how we feel inclined to celebrate. 

Because duty calls them away from home, I encourage you to remember our fellow brothers and sisters in arms who are not able to join their loved ones this holiday season. Also, please take this time to thank those closest to you for their support and sacrifice because families are vital to our successful service. 

Amy and I wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year. Again, thank you for the service you provide for our nation, and I am honored to be your commander.