Commander sends holiday message

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Cindy and I would like to wish everyone here at Vandenberg and to all those deployed a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. As we celebrate with family and friends, please take the opportunity to reflect on our many blessings as citizens of this great nation.

I want to thank each of you for your contributions to Team Vandenberg's success. Your hard work and determination resulted in ten successful launches, an orbital recovery and culminated in an IG "Excellent" rating. These successes are shared not only by our military, civilians and contractors, but also our spouses and families at home supporting us each and every day.

While the United States remains engaged in combat operations across the globe, Vandenberg has over 350 Airmen tasked for deployment and more than 180 men and women currently deployed. Please keep these Airmen, and those who will be working on the holidays here at Vandenberg, in your thoughts and prayers.

Nothing is more important to me personally than the safety and well being of our Airmen and their families. For those traveling during the holidays, exercise caution and allow yourself time for delays. The current DUI total is eight, the lowest since at least 2002. If you choose to drink alcohol during the holidays have a plan and execute it! If your plan falls through, do not hesitate to call Airmen Against Drunk Driving.

Lastly, I ask that you reach out to the families of those deployed as well as our single Airmen, and in the spirit of giving and support that makes our Air Force so special, that you welcome them into your holiday celebrations. I  look forward to working with you all in the year ahead.

My sincere best wishes to you and your families.