11th AF/CC gives holiday message Published Dec. 17, 2009 By Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins Eleventh Air Force commander EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- With the holiday season upon us, Chief Master Sgt. Robert Moore and I want to offer a sincere thank you to you and your families for your dedication to our nation and our mission here in Alaska. Your commitment and personal sacrifices, along with those of your family, have ensured our success in 2009 and will propel us forward into 2010. While we reflect on the great accomplishments we have made in 2009, your hard work has not gone unnoticed by our national leaders, such as the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force -- all who have personally expressed their gratitude for a "job well done." This time of year allows all of us to spend very special moments with family and friends, and to thank our fellow Service members and their families who are serving around the world ... some in harm's way in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq. We currently have about 1,200 Air Force members deployed from our wings at Elmendorf and Eielson Air Force Bases. I ask that you keep them in your thoughts during this period of separation from their loved ones. Again, please accept our sincere thanks for what each of you and your families do every day for our great nation! Happy Holidays!