JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash.  -- As we celebrate the holiday season and the upcoming New Year, it's time to recharge our mental and physical batteries. It's been an incredibly busy year for the 62nd Airlift Wing and I couldn't be more proud of our team.

Chief Master Sgt. Gregory Warren and I look back with appreciation on the outstanding work you've done and thank each and every member of Team McChord for their hard work and sacrifices.

Please remember to keep our deployed brothers and sisters in your thoughts. They are a far from home, away from family and friends, protecting the freedoms we enjoy every day.

This holiday is a time to celebrate and relax with family and friends- you've earned it! But please make safety a priority. Don't let drinking and driving, fatigue, speeding or failure to use seatbelts ruin your celebration. I want to see each of you after the New Year strong and healthy.

It's an honor to be your commander. From the Elder family to yours, please have a joyful holiday season and we look forward to seeing you all in the New Year!