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AF Surgeon General's
holiday message
Take heart in
the solace you provide for all who serve and their families
By
Lt. Gen. (Dr.) George Peach Taylor Jr.
Air Force Surgeon General
This
time of year is a very emotional time of year for all of us
since it magnifies the sacrifices that members of the Air
Force Medical Service -- and all service members -- endure
to preserve the precious freedoms we enjoy.
Foremost
among these sacrifices is the valuable time we miss with family
and friends back home.
In doing so we also miss out on home baked pecan tarts,
coconut cakes and multitudes of other family favorites.
However,
there is a silver lining from which every member of the Air
Force Medical Service can take heart.
The roles fulfilled around the clock and around the
globe by AFMS active duty, Reserve and Guard men and women
are among the most pivotal in the global war on terrorism.
In
the past year, your collective efforts have ensured the highest
survival rate in the history of combat.
This extraordinary and indisputable fact has benefited
– and continues to provide solace for – every American who has
a loved one or friend serving in the United States military.
When
families and friends gather this holiday season, please know
that you will be in their thoughts and prayers.
This holds especially true for the nearly 1,500 AFMS
active duty, Reserve and Guard members who are deployed around
the world.
I
am sure that wherever you are, your families will know that
your extended Air Force family will come together to share
and celebrate the holidays.
One of the elements of this career that has made me
most proud is that we in the AFMS enjoy a camaraderie that
is second to none.
From
combat zones to small medical treatment facilities, I have
always been proud of the poise and professionalism that each
of you demonstrates in your dedication to providing compassionate
world-class health care.
Please
take care of each other this holiday season.
Be especially mindful of younger troops who are not
accustomed to being away from home for the holidays.
I know you won’t hesitate to reach out to others in
order to ensure that this is a safe and meaningful holiday.
From
all the Taylors to all of you:
Our best wishes for a great holiday.
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