Holiday greetings from the base commander

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- As we get ready for the holidays and approach the end of another highly successful year, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for all you’ve done. From big-rock accomplishments to the tireless and often thankless everyday efforts that enable us to flourish, your passion and dedication continue to amaze me.

In 2017, Hanscom played a vital role in providing real-time battlefield solutions for our warfighters overseas, took numerous steps to improve our base and held a variety of morale-building events. We hosted the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. David Goldfein, for three days in March. We also hosted the Air Force Materiel Command Commander’s Conference in August, bringing Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski and dozens of key senior leaders on a Boston Innovation Tour among other activities.

We underwent a successful Unit Effectiveness Inspection; responded rapidly and professionally to an explosives materials scare that attracted worldwide attention; and once again welcomed home our returned deployers in grand style with a massive parade and celebration. We also celebrated the Air Force’s 70th birthday with an awesome ball featuring former AFMC Commander retired-Gen. Donald Hoffman as our keynote speaker, and we put on an incredible display of Hanscom programs and military aircraft during our Hanscom Expo that same week.

Yet all of that barely scratches the surface. Each of you played a daily role in activities that made Hanscom a great place to work, live and play. You should be proud, as I am, of all those accomplishments.

In many ways, though, our greatest accomplishment is how we look out for and take care of others. This time of year, we see so many examples of Hanscom generosity. From the Thanksgiving Day Community Dinner, to the Turkey Drop that provided meals for many junior Airmen and civilians, to the holiday Giving Tree Program and of course the Combined Federal Campaign, Team Hanscom is clearly committed to helping others.

As we get ready for 2018, I know we’ll be ready for the new challenges that await us, and that we’ll continue to be great wingmen.

But right now, I hope most of us will be able to slow down a bit and celebrate the holidays, sharing good times, good food and the company of friends and loved ones. And as we do, let’s remember to pause and think of those who are deployed and separated from their loved ones – and please take some time to reach out to those who are away, as well as those here at home who are anxiously awaiting their return.

Please also remember to celebrate safely. Don't drink and drive, and don't let your guests do so either. If you are traveling this season, please do so carefully.

On behalf of our center commander, Lt. Gen. Robert McMurry, our Program Executive Officers, Maj. Gen. Dwyer Dennis, Senior Executive Service member Steve Wert and Col. Al LaPuma, I wish you and your families the happiest of holidays and a wonderful new year.