Holiday Greetings to D-M Airmen, their families, and to our friends in Tucson Published Dec. 21, 2007 By Col. Kent Laughbaum 355th Fighter Wing Commander DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- As we enter into the heart of the Holiday Season and we pause in our normal day-to-day endeavors to concentrate on family and friends, I want to also pause and take a moment to express a sincere holiday greeting for each of you. I send these greetings out to not only our Airmen and their families who comprise the Davis-Monthan team, but also to the greater Tucson community that provides us with such tremendous support. This support has made it possible for more than 2,000 of us to deploy to Southwest Asia and make a positive impact on the people there. This year we have achieved a long string of successes across Afghanistan and Iraq. Though many of our service personnel have returned, it is important that we remember the hundreds of D-M Airmen there at this very moment. I ask you to hold a special place for them in your hearts and prayers as you celebrate. Please also remember the families of these Airmen, as they deal with what may be a most difficult time to be separated from loved ones. This is a truly special season. The Holidays, no matter in which faith or context you celebrate, are a time to concentrate on what is important in life - the people that are dear to us. For me, it has been the bonds of comradeship with fellow servicemen and friends from the civilian community that have emerged as the most meaningful aspect of my experience as an Airman. As we depart our duty sections for a few days, I urge each of you to consider the value of the people in your life, at home and at work. Take time to demonstrate their importance in your life and what they mean to you. Let me do that for you now. My gratitude and appreciation for you is beyond words. I am amazed and humbled by what our Airmen and their families here at Davis-Monthan AFB and across the globe accomplish every day. Thank you so very much for your service, courage, and many sacrifices for our country. To our friends in Tucson and Arizona, from the checker in Frys who takes time to give each of our Airmen a pat on the back and word of thanks; to our Mayor, City Council, County Supervisors, and U.S. Congressional leadership who have actively engaged in ensuring D-M and Tucson have a strong relationship; and everyone in between -- I offer the same deep gratitude. It has been a great year for America, particularly for the Airmen at Davis-Monthan AFB. Seasons Greetings, and may God bless you all.