Wounded Warriors

Airmen from the Office of Air Force Reserve form up in the Walter Reed Hospital Reception area to present care packages to Wounded Warriors Dec. 3, 2010. In the front row from left are Maj. Cathy Hight, Medical Directorate; Maj. Dee Ketterer, chief of Reserve Mobility Programming; Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., chief of Air Force Reserve; Brig. Gen. Maryanne Miller, director of Programs and Requirements; Chief Master Sgt. Beatriz Swann, Personnel Directorate; and Senior Master Sgt. Curtis Webber, Programs and Requirements Directorate. In the back row from left are Col. Mark Ross, Policy Integration Directorate; Col. Mike Ricci, Programs and Requirements Directorate; Brig. Gen. Richard Haddad, special assistant to the chief of Air Force Reserve; Maj. Gary Byrd, Programs and Requirements Directorate; and Col. Hugh Hegtvedt, executive officer to the chief of Air Force Reserve. (U.S. Air Force photo/Col. Bob Thompson)

Commentary: Stenner's holiday message to Citizen Airmen

Published Nov. 23, 2011
By Lt. Gen. Charles Stenner
Air Force Reserve Command, commander

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Citizen Airmen,

As we celebrate the holidays and prepare for the challenges of 2012, I want to thank you for serving our nation. This is the time of year when we spend quality time with family and friends, and I encourage you to relax and enjoy the season.

While the holidays are a great time to slow down and recharge, it is also a time to be more vigilant. We often travel more during this time of year, have more things to do and people to see, and in general the faster pace creates more pressure than usual. Please be a good Wingman and look out for your fellow Airmen, friends, and family that may have trouble dealing with the additional stress of the season. This also includes taking care of yourself and asking for help when you need it.

I fully appreciate the sacrifices your families and employers make in support of your service, and appreciate your dedication to the Air Force Reserve and our nation. Whether at home or overseas, Dee and I wish all of you the happiest of holidays, and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families as we welcome the New Year.