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Show t HMop,v& 13 2:3' 0t"S IfclSI H fK C OMH tT V r3 Dove safely this Hobbins T. 12th Air Force commander The holiday season is upon us - the time of year that many stop to appreciate what we have, as well as who we have, in our lives. This time of year is a joyous one for most of us, but for some it is a time to remember loved ones who are no longer with us. It is time to take personal and family safety into consideration. As you travel this holiday season, I ask you to think "safety first." I need every Twelfth Air Force member alive and well during and after the upcoming holidays. Traffic accidents are the number one cause of fatalities in the Air Force. Seven of eight fatal accidents in Twelfth Air Force last year resulted from vehicle accidents. This, coupled with the fact fatalities are highest from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, demands extra attention. If you look back over the last four years, statistics show that most of Twelfth Air Force's fatal accidents have been off duty. The majority of BUCKLE those involved traffic-relate- by Col. Steve Hoog 388th Fighter Wing commander e're on the final stretch of an eventful year filled with vivid memories of world W seasoun fooOOdlaiy by Lt Gen. William 388th Commander commends t? airmen for dedication, hard work d i DRIVE SMART UP! were young, male airmen and NCOs under the age of 26. Speeding was one of the predominant factors, and we've seen a f decrease in the use of protective gear. So, be aware and be smart. Lt. Gen. William T. Hobbins Make sure there is a designated driver to take you or your family members home if they choose to drink. Follow speed limits, and slow down or even stop when driving in severe weather. Finally, ensure you use personal protective gear appropriate for your activities. Whether or not you fall into the "majority" category I've discussed, everyone needs to apply personal risk management skills, especially while driving during the holiday season. Kudos to all Twelfth Air Force units, drithough, as there were no alcohol-relate2001! in fiscal and 2000 fatalities ving years Please continue this trend. You are our most critical asset, especially now, with the high operations tempo and so many deployed to ensure our freedom. Please make sure you take care of yourself and your family this holiday season. d events and all that s happened in our lives. Many of us are still feeling high emotions from Sept 1 1 this is normal. With the holidays approaching we also have a sense of personal pride for everything we've done since then in support of our nation. I want to commend each and every one of you for your dedication and hard work this past year as you reflect on your accomplishments. Remember to take the time to "count your blessings" and spend time with your family and friends this Holiday season. Since I arrived six months ago, I've watched dedicated airmen at all levels of us, keep in mind we have a full plate next year and I need every one of you to return back to work safely and healthier than ever. With that thought in mind, holiday festivities have begun as I speak and many Fighter Country team members have already hit the road to spend precious time with loved ones. Keep safety in the back of your mind...this is not the time to do anything dumb, dangerous or different. Take care of your buddies and if you hap pen to overindulge call a friend, your supervisor, or the AADD hotline If you or can't get a hold of anyone just stay put Wherever you may be on this final stretch of 2001, be sensible and use wise judgment in your holiday (586-223- 3 540-7751- activities. As ). II Gen. William Hobbins, 12th Air Force commander, said, "ensuring a safe return to work after the holiday seasons extraordinary things. YouVe Col. Steve Hoog worked diligently to ensure needs to be a goal for all of the mission got accomplished, whether us. We'll be successful if we all get peryou were deployed or at home station trainsonally involved. In helping people arrive ing to meet any task our Air Force requires. alive, we are protecting our most valuable The pride and professionalism in your resource -- people." In the meantime, enjoy your time with work shines brightly every day. Those of you who have supported or are your loved ones and may the holiday spirit currently supporting Operation Noble bring you peace and joy into the New Year. Eagle, my hat goes off to you for your focus In addition, I'd ask that each of you take a moment to think of those deployed durand contribution in defending and proI know of nation. our many tecting ing this time and the families left behind great you will be away from your families dur- who will spend the holiday season with ing the holidays and you'll be in our thoughts their loved ones only in spirit. and prayers. Cinde, Sophie, Christopher and I wish As we look forward to what lies ahead you the happiest of holidays! in 'Fighter Country,' do 11 Hangar 37, alternate 'North Pole' by Airman 1st Class Naklta Carlisle 388th Fighter Wing public affairs - - - - - ' - ' - fe... ., Ho, Ho, Ho, bellowed Santa Claus as he came off his jet ride to meet the many children who came to the Children's Christmas party held in Hangar 37, Dec. 8. Children participated in activities such as making Christmas cards, playing games and meeting Santa, who was played by Master Sgt. Craig Nielson, 388th Equipment Maintenance Squadron. A variety of cookies, juices and snacks were also laid out for the children, parents, and elves attending the party. And, a variety of Christmas music played in the background to fill the party with holiday cheer. The party ended as Santa shook his belly, giving a big Ho, Ho, Ho, and waving goodbye to all the boys and girls. Photos by Airman 1st Class Naklta Carlisle jet, climbs off the jet and greets all the Clockwise from top, Santa Claus, Tech. Sgt. Craig Nielsen, after his ride in the 6 children, parents and others who waited for him on the flight line. Santa adjusts his glasses before he explains to the chilinstead of the reindeer and sleigh. Children listens to Elf Sticky (Lt. Col. Paul Strickland), as dren why he came on an he reads a poem. Playing the role of an elf, Lt. Col. Eric Best helps hand out presents to the children at the Christmas party. F-- .rm ii . lite Awe. 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