Holiday message from the commander Published Dec. 23, 2010 By Col James "Mike" Allman 459th ARW Commander Joint Base Andrews, Md. -- Liberators, As we celebrate the holidays, please take a moment to remember your call to serve and deploy in harm's way, faithfully defending. Be proud of your service and dedication and your family's sacrifice to our nation's defense as Citizen Airmen. As I reflect on our accomplishments over the year, we have much to be proud of. Through deployments, mobilizations, inspections and exercises, you have excelled and distinguished yourself as stellar Citizen Airmen and unrivaled wingmen. I know you will continue to excel in the coming year as we prepare for our ORI and NORE in 2012 and begin another round of mobilizations. I ask that while we gather with family to share in the joy of the season, you take time to remember your fellow Airmen who are serving away from their home and loved ones in the defense of our nation. We serve because we love our country, but that doesn't always make the sacrifice easy. As the former Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld once said, "For freedom to survive, it must be defended at all times, wherever necessary." For those serving away from home, I thank you and look forward to greeting you on your safe return home. For those of us who will be traveling this season, I urge you to remember our ORM and EM training - plan ahead, be prepared and take your time. I am incredibly honored to serve as your commander. Nancy and I wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday and look forward to seeing you in the New Year. Col James "Mike" Allman James M. "Mike" Allman, Colonel, USAFR Commander, 459th Air Refueling Wing, "Liberators"