HAPPY HOLIDAYS TEAM SCOTT! Published Dec. 2, 2008 By Col. Gary Goldstone 375th Airlift Wing commander SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The Thanksgiving holiday provides an opportunity for families and friends to gather together in celebration and reflection of the blessings received throughout the year. There is one blessing in particular for which we should offer a special acknowledgment of gratitude. That blessing is freedom. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the Team Scott family works to defend our nation and freedoms. The collective Team Scott organizations, far too many to name here, embody a common link regarding their critical value and importance to our nation's defense. Each organization at Scott enables combat power! United States Transportation Command and the associated component commands diligently plan and coordinate the intricate web of logistics to get servicemembers to the fight, to sustain them with the right resources and to bring them home safely. Whether it is by land, sea or air, the logistics and transportation crown jewel of our nation's defense leads the way in meeting the global defense needs of our nation. The Defense Information Systems Agency also pulls its own heavy load by providing complex communications technology to protect the vital flow of information and the Defense Information Technology Contracting Office ensures they have the necessary equipment for mission success. The Air National Guard's 126th Air Refueling Wing is an essential force enabler. The capability to refuel weapons systems in midair is a critical link to providing humanitarian assistance and combat power. The Air Force Reserve's 932nd Airlift Wing has its own global mission of transporting military and civilian senior leaders. Getting the nation's top leaders to where they need to be allows them to perform their diplomatic and decision-making duties. As the installation's host, the 375th Airlift Wing has a very unique role in enabling combat power. The 375 AW not only provides unrivaled distinguished visitor and patient airlift but also superior support and service and combat-ready Airmen! Nothing is more important than keeping the promise to provide precise combat capability to the warfighter...always. This is the promise we keep...to our Air Mobility Command and our 18th Air Force leadership. That promise allows both AMC and 18th AF to deliver. Simply stated, the 375 AW is AMC's Showcase Wing...enabling combat power! As we approach the holidays, please remember the families and the patriotic Americans living in the surrounding communities who stand beside each of us in uniform. Their support allows us to keep our focus on the mission. They too are part of our family. They too enable combat power. Our great nation is a free nation in part through the selfless dedication, professionalism and talent of all of Team Scott's military and civilian members. Americans have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. The freedoms they enjoy that the Team Scott community helps to protect are among those blessings. This holiday season let us keep our brothers and sisters in uniform both here and at forward deployed locations across the globe in our thoughts and prayers. Let us not forget the families of our deployed heroes. Reach out to them and show them our appreciation for the sacrifices they make. Remember, our Wingmen are not only those in uniform but also those that keep the beacon of freedom burning bright on the homefront. Most importantly, celebrate the holidays safely. Each of us - active duty, Reservists, Guardsmen, civilians, families and friends are important members of the Team Scott family. Be good Wingmen to each other and make sure everyone puts safety first in everything they do this season. It is a culture of mutual support and responsible choices and actions that make our collective military services the best in the world! Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for all you do. AIR POWER!