Happy Holidays from Gen Van Ovost

The holiday season offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and be grateful for the blessings of family, friends, and purpose—the difference we made in ourselves, in each other, and in our command. With a glance to our past and strong focus on our future, I could not be more proud to be a Mobility Airman!

From the very first day of the year, AMC was projecting decisive strength as we rapidly delivered the 82nd Airborne’s Immediate Response Force to United States Central Command to combat Iranian aggression. Shortly thereafter, we responded to a very different threat—a global pandemic that rapidly changed the world as we knew it. COVID-19 challenged us to operate in a contested environment, from taking care of our families, to balancing risk to mission and force, to operating around the globe in a pandemic that changed hourly—we were put to the test. But make no mistake, your determined, resilient, and innovative spirit prevailed. Regardless of the threat, Air Mobility Command continued to project decisive strength and deliver hope around the world.

This year, our lift was heavy and challenges great, but you met them head on and delivered! As we enter the holiday season, please take time to rest and reconnect with friends and loved ones. Because we have been physically distant, it is important to reinforce those connections that may have atrophied. Keep your fellow Airmen in mind and extend a hand to those who may not have the opportunity to be with family. To our deployed Mobility Warriors projecting and sustaining the Joint Force downrange, you are in our thoughts and prayers—thank you for your service and sacrifice during the holiday season. We are here for your family in your absence and eagerly await your return!

Next year will be action packed as we get laser-focused on our priorities and accelerate our integration into new Joint warfighting concepts. We must build the Mobility Air Force we need through developing multi-capable and digitally adept Airmen while energizing rapid capability development in order to deliver credible capacity to the Joint warfighter. During the next few weeks, I ask that you dedicate some time for personal reflection to think about your goals for the new year, both personally and professionally, and then be ready to execute.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our mission, our Air Force, and especially to each other. Your leadership, irreproachable character, and bias for action are the strength of this command and deeply appreciated. I wish you all a restful and joyous holiday season.

This year, our lift was heavy and challenges great, but you met them head on and delivered! As we enter the holiday season, please take time to rest and reconnect with friends and loved ones.

-Gen Van Ovost