Commander's holiday message

  • Published
  • By Col. Anthony Cotton
  • 341st Missile Wing commander
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  As we approach the heart of the holiday season and the New Year, it is fitting that we reflect on not only the challenges, but also the successes of 2010. I could not be more proud of the dedication and hard work the men and women of Wing One have committed to in keeping Malmstrom a model base in Air Force Global Strike Command. Every member of Team Malmstrom impacts our mission, and the diligence and exacting focus you apply in your daily work helps Malmstrom continue to provide safe, secure and effective deterrence to our nation and its allies.

You have much to be proud of. This year Wing One planned and hosted the command's first Response Task Force exercise; we were presented with our third-consecutive U.S. Strategic Command Consultation Committee Omaha Trophy; and we were visited by some of the Air Force's top leaders. That is just a few of the notable undertakings we have accomplished as a team. Achieving the standard is commonplace, but exceeding it is what Wing One is all about.

In the next few weeks, I encourage each of you to spend some well-deserved down-time with your family and friends. As you celebrate, please remember the 353 members of Malmstrom who are deployed overseas, and the others who are deployed to the missile complex. Please keep these service members, and their families, in your thoughts and prayers as we are all grateful for their commitment to the mission, and their sacrifice.

Finally, please take care of each other. Airmen take care of fellow Airmen; being a good wingman means you share a bond, you can be counted on to support each other, in all situations, both on- and off-duty. Be careful in all your travels and celebrations; we need every member of Wing One to return safely.

Again, Marsha and I wish you and your families the very best this holiday season, and we look forward to continuing the excellence next year! First up at bat, the AFGSC Operational Readiness Inspection. Let's knock it out of the park!