MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The holiday season provides an opportunity to pause and reflect back over the past year, recognize the accomplishments of our team and prepare for the challenges we will face in the New Year.
To our Team MacDill Airmen and families—thank you!
Over the last year, the wing supported Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel, executing more than 3,000 combat missions in the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility.
The wing also provided humanitarian relief during the aftermath of Hurricane Michael by providing assistance to 140 families and 11,000 personnel who were evacuated from Tyndall AFB, Florida.
Team MacDill also had the honor of hosting the Department of Defense Wounded Warrior Games. We came together with the local community to showcase over 300 athletes competing in 14 events to a worldwide audience.
Looking back at this past year, I’m amazed by your everyday accomplishments. Whether it be the 39 major command awards or our security forces, contracting and force support squadrons being recognized as the Air Force’s best. All of these accomplishments culminated in the 6th Air Refueling Wing being presented the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Thank you for your dedication as you continue to carry out our vital worldwide mission. Your incredible efforts have made a difference in 2019!
Additionally, I want to thank our Tampa Bay community partners. Without the support of the community we could not accomplish our vital national-security missions. On behalf of Team MacDill, thanks to each and every one of our community partners for your continuous and unwavering support.
Finally, I want to thank our deployed service members who are currently away from home guarding our nation’s freedom. Please join me as we keep every Airman, Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Coast Guardsman and their families in our thoughts and prayers.
The New Year will give us the opportunity to improve our flights, squadrons and the Air Force, and we need all of you mentally and physically ready to make that happen. So, during this holiday season, I hope you find some time to relax with your friends, family, or loved ones and prepare to tackle 2020.
But, as you celebrate the season, remember to do so responsibly and encourage those around you to do the same. Be a good wingman and take care of each other. The holiday season can be a difficult time and a simple gesture of kindness can brighten someone’s day. Every Airman is an integral part of our Air Force family and we need to be there for each other during the good and challenging periods of our lives.
Your incredible and even heroic efforts during 2019 have not only embodied the Air Force core values, but demonstrated exceptional innovation and ingenuity above and beyond the already high demands placed on you every day.
It is an honor and privilege to serve beside the men and women of Team MacDill. On behalf of Col. Robins and Chief Greene, I want to wish you a joyous holiday season and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish in 2020!