Wolf wishes Wolf Pack safe and happy holidays

  • Published
  • By Col. CQ "Wolf" Brown
  • 8th Fighter Wing commander
KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea --  The holiday season is usually the time of the year when all of us can spend time with our family and loved ones as well as enjoy some well deserved time off. 

Whatever your background and wherever you may be in the world, the holiday season can be a memorable experience enjoyed by all. However, the holidays can also bring about difficult times and add stress in someone's life. Being in a remote location such as Kunsan can certainly be a stressor. 

Although, most of you will spend this year's holiday season away from your family and loved ones, your sacrifices aren't going unnoticed. 

This past year the Wolf Pack has done some amazing things. You all proved that this wing was truly a cut above the rest during this year's Operational Readiness Inspection. It didn't just stop there. I've been able to witness and be apart of numerous joint training exercises and real-world operations between us and our South Korean allies as well as witness a great social partnership between our host nation and the wing. You've shown that not only are we here to help each other within the Wolf Pack, but we're also here to give back to our gracious hosts. 

I believe we are making a difference here. You've been an integral part in ensuring peace and stability throughout the peninsula with the work that you do. Each of you is vital to the wing's mission and I appreciate your sacrifices. 

With the holidays also brings a higher rate of suicide attempts. If you notice someone acting out of the ordinary or you think they may be in trouble, take some time to be a good wingman and help them. Just a few minutes of your time can make a huge difference in someone else's life. 

I encourage all of you to enjoy some time off, because you've definitely earned it. While here, I hope that each of you can embrace your Wolf Pack family and rely on each other during this holiday season and return to work refreshed and ready to tackle on the challenges of the New Year, which will start with a PENORE the third week of January.
We have some big events ahead in 2008. Please keep in mind the upcoming Unit Compliance Inspection. I ask that everyone go over their checklists to ensure we're implementing the best practices, and if something you're doing doesn't make sense, bring it up your chain of command. 

Remember the mission doesn't stop. I need you all ready and able to ensure our mission is carried out no matter what. For this reason, I also encourage all of you to practice safety in everything you do not only on duty, but off duty. Make good judgments and always think before you act. 

I'd like to wish all of you a happy holiday season. It's my honor to serve with you and I look forward to working with you all to make 2008 even better!