Commander extends Christmas wishes to wing Published Dec. 15, 2008 By Col. Walter "Buck" Sams 419th Fighter Wing Commander HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UT -- As we prepare to celebrate the Christmas season, let me take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to all of those who've contributed to the wing's success this past year. The Air Force Reserve and the 419th Fighter Wing are being called on as never before and our people continue to rise to the occasion. In 2008, nearly 400 members of the 419th FW deployed in support of operations around the globe. The bulk of these were mission support group personnel in specialty areas such as security forces, logistics readiness, communication, services, civil engineering, and aerial port. These units have also recently provided humanitarian assistance to the Caribbean, Africa, Central America, and throughout the United States. Early this year, 35 security forces personnel returned from Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, where they were mobilized for six months. Our SFS personnel served a critical function, patrolling the perimeter of the base and guarding stations along the fence line. Our operations and maintenance personnel supported the 388th FW on back-to-back, deployments to Balad AB, Iraq for 400 days. Together, the pilots and maintainers from both wings contributed to more than 5,000 combat missions for a total of 20,000 flying hours. Here at home, our Total Force Integration with the 388th FW is on track and I'm extremely pleased with the progress we've made to date. Each day we move closer to creating the most capable F-16 unit in the world. The accomplishments this past year have been astounding and we simply could not have done it without the unwavering support or our families. Many wives, husbands, and children have taken a backseat time and time again so that their family member could serve this great nation. It is our families who carry the largest burden as loved ones are away fulfilling their military duties. It is often hardest on those left behind. To our family members, I offer my deepest thanks. Your sacrifices don't go unnoticed and your support is greatly appreciated. We also owe a debt of gratitude to those who employ our reservists. They, too, make many sacrifices in order to honor the commitments of reservists who work for them. The support of our employers and the surrounding community has been outstanding, and we couldn't ask for a better place to live and work. As we look forward to 2009, I think we can easily expect a year filled with its share of challenges as it is the nature of our business. I am fully confident that our competent, skilled, and highly motivated folks will do whatever it takes to support the Air Force mission. Pam and I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a safe, joyous New Year. I am proud to of what you do for this nation and am honored to have the opportunity to serve as your commander.