COMMENTARY: Happy Holidays

  • Published
  • By Maj. Nick Schindler
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Plans and Programs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Christmas is my favorite time of the year. 

I don't like shopping, the short days and long nights, or the cold weather, but I really like the Christmas Spirit.

I enjoy playing in the snow with my kids - sledding, snowball fights, building snowmen or snow forts - and the togetherness and kindness the holiday season brings.

Every year at this time, people seem to slow down a bit - except maybe on Black Friday - and spend more time together whether it is with family, friends or coworkers.

Even in the military, when we are ready to go at a moment's notice, things seem to slow down for Christmas and New Years to allow families and friends to get together. The holidays are an incredibly rare time when the focus shifts, if even for a brief time, from ourselves and all our work to appreciate the blessings we have that are often forgotten in the day-to-day grind of our busy lives.

We create new memories and share old ones. We take care of each other and those who cannot be with their loved ones. We give to those who need help.

For those fortunate enough to be with friends and family this holiday season, treasure these opportunities. In my time in the Air Force I have missed many holidays,
birthdays and anniversaries. Here at Team Mildenhall we are not immune. In fact, our unique mission, in a critical location, makes us that much more vulnerable. Whether air refueling, special operations or reconnaissance, we stand by with capabilities unique to the greatest air power in history. All too often we see how we are the 911 force for three theaters covering nearly half the globe and they are the busiest places for our military.

During the holiday season, it's important to practice good operations security online and at home. This applies to anyone staying local or leaving the area. Take caution with posting on social media sites about your location, expensive new gifts, travel plans or anything that could put you, your family or the Air Force in a negative situation.

Whether you are home or away, be smart and enjoy your holiday season. Take the time to slow down and enjoy time together. Take care of yourselves and each other, and have a happy and safe new year!