Thanksgiving message from 18th Wing Commander Published Nov. 22, 2012 By Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy 18th Wing KADENA AIR BASE-Japan -- Thanksgiving is a perfect time to pause, reflect, and count our many blessings. As I reflect back on 2012 and look forward to 2013, I'm mindful of how my family, my friends, and my work mates have touched my life and blessed me through intangible and eternal ways. I'm also grateful and proud to be called a citizen of the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. Indeed, the whole Molloy family is very thankful and truly honored to serve alongside each of you and your families. Thank you for all the efforts you've put forward to accomplish our very important mission. We are awestruck every day by your selflessness in taking care of family members whose spouses are deployed and for your hard work volunteering in community efforts that strengthen the bonds of friendship between the US and Japan. We just finished a very humbling and successful Kadena Special Olympics this past Saturday and witnessed 2,200 American volunteers supporting and cheering nearly 1,500 special needs athletes and artists. Thank you for braving the pouring rain to make that event a day those athletes will always remember. As we celebrate and take time off to spend with family and friends, let's keep our deployed Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines in our thoughts and prayers. Also, check on your single Airmen who might be away from family for the first time and invite them over for some homemade fixin's. With this long weekend ahead, keep the curfew in mind and your role as an U.S. Ambassador. We TRUST that you will have a solid plan to get home safely...and on time! Again, Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for all you do for our great nation.