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Commander encourages Airmen to reflect, resolve and challenge themselves

  • Published
  • By Col. Cherie Roberts
  • 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron commander
CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. --  Mark Twain once said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

As we wrap up another successful year of accomplishment here at Team Charleston, we are all too aware of our friends, neighbors, and coworkers who will spend another holiday season away from their family and friends. From my own squadron, I have one troop at Kandahar, Afghanistan, and I'm preparing to deploy 11 more to support the Commander-in-Chief's decision to surge our forces in Afghanistan. It reminds me of our awesome responsibility to our nation, our families and each other.

With the holiday season and the New Year comes times of great joy; a time for family and friends, reflection and hope. Comfort those who are ailing, reach out to those in need of friends and family, and recognize those who are in distress. The families of deployed Reservists struggle with the stress of separation and, at this time of year, the added stress of the holidays. I would ask all of you to be the very best Wingmen possible, especially for the next few weeks.

Let's get the whole team back to work after the New Year refreshed and reenergized for the challenges and opportunities that lie before us. This is my favorite time of the year; celebrating with friends and family. We've finished another chapter of our lives on which to reflect and are about to embark on a new journey through a new year that promises to be more fulfilling than the last. Think about Mark Twain's advice, resolve to try new things, and challenge yourself to be your very best ..."throw off the bowlines and sail away from safe harbor."

May your holiday season be safe and joyous and filled with all the richness you desire. Happy New Year!