AMC commander: ‘Thank you for serving others’

  • Published
  • By Gen. Ray Johns
  • Commander, Air Mobility Command
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  As we gather together with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving next week, we have much to be thankful for. I'm thankful for your continued selfless service which demands great commitment and personal sacrifices of you and your loved ones. As mobility Airmen we serve others and remain devoted to answer the call so others may prevail.

Whether that call is airdropping critical supplies to a remote post in Afghanistan, refueling aircraft to fight a ruthless dictator in Libya or providing aeromedical support in freezing conditions in Antarctica we answer that call. In fact, mobility aircraft often represent the first sign of hope for both warfighters on the ground and victims of natural disasters. Each of you play a vital role helping deliver hope, fuel the fight and save lives ... and you do it thanklessly!

Each and every one of you are an integral part of this command and an indispensible part of our Air Force. As such, it's vital that safety is a priority during this holiday season. The Air Force has designated Nov. 18 through Jan. 3 as its Holiday Safety Campaign to help raise awareness on personal risk management.

Whether you're driving just a few blocks or cross-country to spend time with your loved ones, maintain situational awareness of the road conditions and keep distractions to a minimum. Hazardous road conditions, fatigue, speeding, alcohol and cell phone use can all make navigating our roadways very challenging. Plan accordingly, get plenty of rest, and have a plan "B" if your primary plan fails.

Diana and I would also like to thank all our families for their continued sacrifices. Too often the focus is only placed on the deployed member while the families back home overcome challenges that allow us to serve others around the world. We also ask that you remember our fellow Airmen and their families who cannot be home for the holidays. Their wartime mission is a noble and necessary sacrifice to ensure our great nation can live in peace and security. We look forward to their safe journey home.

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