Holiday greetings from the base commander

  • Published
  • By Col. Michael A. Vogel
  • 66th Air Base Group Commander
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  It's hard to believe, but another year is coming to an end, and the holidays are upon us once again. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for all you've done. Although it was midway through the year when Misty and I arrived at Hanscom, I immediately noticed the hard work and dedication of the workforce here.

Team Hanscom has garnered success around every corner - from installation improvements to significant program accomplishments and hosting and partnering with defense, congressional and state visitors. The year was not without its challenges, though, as we saw when our Fire Department courageously responded to the Gulfstream crash at Hanscom Field. And despite continual budget challenges, Hanscom's commitment to our warfighters never waned.

You truly are a great group of wingmen and I appreciate the care you show for each other. But your caring extends beyond the base.

Team Hanscom can be proud of the generous amount of time and money that has been donated to countless worthy causes, including the Feds Feed Families food drive, the Combined Federal Campaign, helping our local veterans and various community service events.

As we move into 2015, I'm sure new challenges will arise, but we at Hanscom stand ready to meet them at every turn.

Now it's time to pause from our busy schedules and celebrate the holidays, sharing good times, good food and the company of friends and loved ones. I know that, as you do, you'll join me in pausing to think of those who are deployed and separated from their loved ones.

In addition, the holiday season can be a hectic time. Be careful as you celebrate. 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.

On behalf of our center commander, Lt. Gen. John Thompson; our Program Executive Officers, Maj. Gen. Craig Olson and Senior Executive Service member Steve Wert, thank you again for all your hard work throughout this past year. We extend our best wishes to you and your families for a safe and truly happy holiday and a wonderful new year. Together, we will make our Air Force even better in 2015.