Commander extends holiday wishes Published Nov. 28, 2007 By Col. Gary Batinich 419th Fighter Wing Commander HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UT -- This year, about 120 men and women from the 419th Fighter Wing won't be home for the holidays. Instead, they will celebrate the season halfway around the world with their Air Force family. Many will wake Christmas morning and put on their uniform. They will prepare to guard a runway, serve a meal, fix a water pipe, marshal an F-16 for takeoff, or perhaps even save a life. It's never easy to be in unfamiliar surroundings so far from those we love, but it is especially difficult during this time of year. As we prepare to celebrate the holiday season, I would ask that you keep these deployed members, and their families, in your thoughts and prayers. Most of those who are deployed come from the Mission Support Group, to include members of the Security Forces Squadron, Services Squadron, Civil Engineer Squadron, Military Personnel Flight, Staff Judge Advocate office and the Logistics Readiness Squadron. These folks are serving at a myriad of locations throughout Southwest Asia. We also have pilots and maintainers, as well as EOD and medical personnel, deployed to Balad AB, Iraq. It's because of these great patriots that this nation remains the greatest on earth! The holidays are a time to consider the many blessings we have in our lives. I'm particularly grateful for people who raise their hand and take an oath to protect and serve this country and the cause of freedom. Those who choose to serve do so selflessly and make countless sacrifices. I'm grateful, too, for the family members who also make immeasurable sacrifices to support the service of our military personnel. Their unwavering support is an invaluable resource and the support of our families is vitally important to the Air Force and its mission. I'm also tremendously thankful for those who employ our reservists. We owe employers a great debt of gratitude as they, too, make sacrifices in honoring the commitments of reservists. Finally, I would ask that each of you take some time to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year as you shift your focus to 2008. While many challenges lie ahead, I have no doubt your efforts will end the threat of terrorism for future generations. From my family to yours, have a safe and joyous Christmas! May each of you be blessed throughout this holiday season and throughout the New Year!