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A Thanksgiving message from the 325th FW commander

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Tod D. Wolters
  • 325th Fighter Wing commander
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  "As we approach this Thanksgiving season, it is our custom and tradition to observe this special time of the year and count our many blessings. We are saddened that our gallant men of our Armed Services have fallen in the eternal quest for peace with freedom, dignity and justice for all."

Those words were written in our base newspaper nearly 40 years ago by then Col. James L. Price, Tyndall's Air Defense Weapons Center commander. His message still resonates to this day as we currently mourn the loss of our brothers and sisters waging the Global War on Terror. We will never forget, and as fellow warriors, we proudly pay tribute for their ultimate sacrifice.

Colonel Price also reflected on the unique aspects that set us, as Americans, apart from all other nations. He said, "We are filled with an instinctive impulse to give thanks for our free society of free men, free institutions and free elections; our freedom of speech, our freedom of the press ... and our confidence in our ability to meet the challenges of today and of the future."

His words appropriately describe the setting for our 21st century military. Each and every day I am witness to the selfless sacrifices our Airmen...you proudly do so in the name of freedom. You give of yourselves, and ask for so little in return. Jim Price would be so proud to watch you perform.

Thanksgiving is a day that is set aside to give us a chance to really focus on what we are thankful for, and affords us the opportunity to pause and reflect on how fortunate we are as a nation. America has truly been blessed with unsurpassed prosperity, and so much of that prosperity can be directly attributed to the willingness, drive and determination of the men and women of the Armed Forces. You defend what our Forefathers so aptly described as, "Our inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" with class and compassion.

So during this Thanksgiving season, when you are seated around your dinner table, surrounded by family and friends, please take a moment to give thanks to all those who are in harm's way waging the battles against terrorism. Give thanks for living in the greatest nation on Earth. And continue to give thanks for the countless blessings that are bestowed on us as free people.

Charlene and I wish each and every member of Team Tyndall a very Happy Thanksgiving. You are amazing Americans and we are honored to serve at your side.