Season's greetings from 18th Wing commander Published Dec. 17, 2014 By Brig. Gen. James B. Hecker 18th Wing commander KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Greetings Team Kadena, Thank you. Thank you for your extraordinary service, for all the hard work and sacrifices you have made in support of our mission; you've all helped make this a tremendous year. Our success would not be possible without each and every one of you, and our family and friends. We are all a vital part of the team and a crucial part in completing the mission. The holiday season is a great time to relax and spend time with family and friends, but it can also be stressful and challenging for our service members and their families who are far from home or separated from their loved ones. Please be a good wingman and ensure you support and take care of each other in any way you can. We can gather with family and friends because they hugged theirs goodbye and stepped forward to deploy and serve. And that's one of the things that makes America exceptional, and what makes our military the absolute best in the world. It's not just our training, or our equipment, or our technology -- although all that's important. What makes us special, what makes us the best, is all of you. It's your character and your willingness to say, "Send me." It's your dedication to duty, and your courage, and your readiness to defend our values and our ideals. I am proud of you, and I can never thank you enough. Enjoy the holiday parties, but be smart, stay safe and look out for each other. From my family to yours, Happy Holidays and a very happy New Year!