As 2015 draws to a close, Angela and I join you in reflecting all we, as a team, have accomplished this year. You have made many sacrifices to keep our missions going and you have all exemplified what it means to put service before self. The holiday season is a time of celebration and fellowship, and a time to think about the coming new year. Please remember how valued you are to this wing, to your families, and to your community. It is because of amazing Airmen and Team March members like you that this base thrives, and will continue to be at the forefront of successful military operations around the world. We wish you all safe and happy holidays!
Chief Master Sgt. Timothy White, command chief, 452nd Air Mobility Wing, and Edith White (452 AMW CCC spouse)
Team March,
First and foremost, Edith and I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for being great Americans. Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you’ve endured throughout the year. You have served with honor and dignity, and our country is better off because of you, despite the tough roads traveled, and tougher roads ahead. All Americans, home and abroad, enjoy liberty and freedom because of the oath you uphold.
As I reflect back on 2015, I am reminded of how easy it can be to think about the things we don’t have. As we move into 2016, I’d like to encourage everyone not to dwell on what we don’t have, rather focus and be thankful for the things we do have; family, friends, good health, and each other.
I learned long ago that you will never have enough time, make enough money, live in a big enough house, or drive a fancy enough car. For some, we may not get that promotion, assignment, pay raise or bonus that we believe we deserve.
But as long as we have friends, family, and each other, we can tackle any obstacle life presents. A wise person once said if we all put our own problems in the center of the room, took a look at the problems everyone else had, we would gladly take our problems back. As a law enforcement officer who has seen the good, bad, and the ugly in humanity, I am reminded of this every single day.
Lastly but most importantly, please take a moment to thank your family, friends, and civilian employers for their support, as none of us could do what we do, without them. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone; please do not let a day go by without letting your loved ones know how much you truly care about them.
It is an honor and privilege serving alongside of you, and I look forward to serving with you in 2016.
Merry Christmas; Happy Holidays; and have a safe and Happy New Year!
Chief.
