HANSCOM AFB, Mass. -- Marcia and I want to wish you all a Happy Holiday Season, and thank you for the warmth and friendship you have shown us since our arrival here last month.

In the short time we have been here, we've both been extremely impressed by the generosity and dedication of the people of Electronic Systems Center and Hanscom.

Now we're settling in to enjoy our first New England holiday season.

As you gather together with friends and family to celebrate this holiday season, I hope that you won't forget those men and women in uniform who can not be with their families this year. Many of our servicemembers can't celebrate with their loved ones, because they are serving their country in remote locations around the world. Many of them are in harm's way. Although they can't be with us, they are in our thoughts, our hearts and our prayers.

The holidays are a time to share good times, good food and the company of friends and loved ones, but this can also be a hectic time. Please be careful this holiday season. Don't drink and drive, and don't let your guests do so either. If you are traveling this season, take every precaution in preparing so you will have a safe journey.

Please accept our best wishes to you and your families for a truly happy holiday season, and a prosperous New Year. We look forward to the challenges ahead of us in 2008, and working together, I know we will tackle them all. God Bless you all.