Every November and December, it is that time of the year again! Time for family, friends, parties, and of course, holiday wishes!  I do hope everyone remembered Veterans Day and enjoyed a very Happy Thanksgiving. For we always have something to be grateful and thankful for.

Holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year. On holidays, one can relax and enjoy the company of his friends and family without the stress of work. Your friends will be inspired to refresh their brains and bodies with your warm and genuine holiday greetings. Warm and happy holiday wishes for friends can also bring unconditional joy into their life. Take the time to reach out to those you are in contact with, but better yet … reach out to at least a fire-team worth of Brothers you haven’t talked to in some time. “Never shall I fail my comrades.”

As lovely as the holidays can be, they can also make people feel down and stressed. I know this can be a difficult time of year, and I want you to know that you’re not alone. We recently lost some more Brothers this past month (CSM Ret. William “Bill” Acebes and SFC Ret. James “U-boat” Ubernosky). It’s hard when the Holiday Season comes during a difficult time, and I know this probably won’t go down as many of our best Holidays ever, but know that I’m thinking of you and wishing you the best for the New Year. We will forever keep their memory alive by always remembering them and never forgetting their families, loved ones, and cherished friends “… though I be the lone survivor.”

Continue to coach, teach, and mentor … providing hope and confidence … a compass and PACE (primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency) planning in assisting our Brothers to navigate their way “home” here with us or wherever feels right and best for them. “I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall …”