Brothers and Sisters of AFSA Division 89,

HOOAH!......On Thursday 26 Nov 2009, we will pause for Thanksgiving.  That will be the day when we break to give thanks for what we have—and reflect on the freedoms, privileges and the sacrifices that have been made by those who walked before us.  We will embrace the sprit of the “True American” and all its diversities which make us the greatest and most powerful country in the world!  While we are breaking from the daily rigors of life—celebrating with friends and family-- we must take a moment to reflect on the heroic men and women who made-up and make-up our great United States Armed Forces.  For their selfless sacrifices must not go unnoticed.

Across the world from Germany to Japan--Afghanistan to Iraq, on land, sea and air--American warriors are postured--on-point in the nation’s defense; providing solid, structured, and sound force through humanitarian, peacekeeping and combat related missions.  It is these heroic and staunch professionals who sit on the knife edge day and night whom we owe thanks to.  For without their commitment and dedication, our country would be in turmoil—challenged and overcome by the cancer of the world; prone to the overtly carnivorous forces hungry to attack and destroy our beloved freedoms.  America’s Warriors are postured to thwart any and all threats against our interests!

 T.E.A.M., I want to personally say THANK YOU for all your help, commitment and dedication you have provided to the defense of our great nation and to the AFSA family.  For without you, our cause would fail, our freedoms, benefits and quality of life would be drastically different.  I am proud to stand alongside a 120,000 member brethren who work for and are dedicated to—the betterment, improvement and enhancement of the United States Air Force Enlisted Airman!

As we prepare to enjoy a true American holiday, I urge each of you to pause and say THANK YOU to those who served before us—THANK YOU to those who serve today—and embrace those who will take the reigns of freedom and justice in the future.  Make this Thanksgiving a great day—a day our founding men and women would be proud of—and remember the sacrifices of a few who gave so much for so many. 

Team, the spirit of the American Warrior knows no limits.  This week I am proud to join my brothers and sisters in blue as we embrace Airmanship in its true fashion.  We need give thanks for all of life’s gifts and embrace the American Spirit; for we truly are an awesome T.E.A.M “Together, Everyone, Achieves, More”!

I wish you and your families an "AFSA-Lutely" happy, safe and healthy Thanksgiving holiday!   

Hooah!

V/r

Matthew R. "Mad Dog" Becker

AFSA Chapter 984