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By Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds
Electronic Systems Center Commander

This holiday season, as we pause from our busy schedules to gather with friends and family, let’s also reflect on the successes of the past 12 months and look ahead to the promises of the coming year.

As I look back over the past year, I see a lot that makes me proud. Throughout the year, the men and women of Electronic Systems Center and Team Hanscom have shown we have what it takes to get the job done, no matter the challenge. We excelled during the Unit Compliance Inspection, provided critical command and control and combat support systems to our warfighters, held a highly successful Cyberspace Symposium, and successfully hosted distinguished visitors ranging from the Commander of Air Force Materiel Command to the Secretary of the Air Force. Many of us have left our families and loved ones behind to deploy to hot spots around the world, and many of the ESC team are still deployed right now.

I had the opportunity to see firsthand how ESC systems are making a real difference for our warfighters during my visit to Southwest Asia this spring, and to see ESC’s efforts come to fruition in the newest Combined Air and Space Operations Center there. We provide a strongly integrated suite of products and capabilities that are helping the joint fight, and that’s something we can all take pride in.

Hanscom people have shown their deep compassion for those less fortunate, donating more than $305,000 to the Combined Federal Campaign, and have volunteered off-duty time helping veterans and others in local communities. These efforts make America a stronger country and a better place to live.

The past year has been a busy one across the Air Force as well. As we gather with our friends this season, I hope you will keep in your heart and your prayers all of our deployed service members in the Air Force and sister service members who won’t be able to celebrate the holidays with family because they are defending American interests around the world. I urge you to also not forget the family members of our deployed Airmen, who might enjoy spending the holidays with you.

This time of year can be hectic, as we rush to join our loved ones across the country, so please keep safety in mind this holiday season. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let your guests do so either. Also, be sure to take every precaution in preparing for your holiday travels, from checking your tires and ensuring you have enough rest before embarking, to simply buckling your seat belt.

Marcia and I extend my best wishes to you and your families for a safe and truly happy holiday and a prosperous New Year. I look forward to working together with you to make our Air Force even better in 2009.

Maj. Elisa Valenzuela (in photo at left) is welcomed home by Col. David Orr, 66th Air Base Wing commander, and former New England Patriots quarterback Steve Grogan during the Heroes’ Homecoming celebration Dec. 12 in the Aero Club hangar. In photo at right, Col. Russell Fellers stands in formation while students from the Hanscom Middle School hold signs to welcome the colonel and more than 45 Airmen home from deployments during the Heroes' Homecoming celebration. The event also included a special appearance by Tom Hamilton of the rock band Aerosmith.  (Photos by Linda LaBonte-Britt)

General Hoffman

Brig. Gen. Terry Feehan talks with Col. Maryann Watson, director of the 554 Electronic Systems Group Personnel Division, and other team members, during his visit to the 554th Electronic Systems Wing Operating Location at Randolph AFB, Texas, Dec. 5. The general expressed his support for the mission and spoke to future challenges faced by personnel management organizations in today's Air Force.

Happy Holidays!

Due to the upcoming holiday season, this will be the final Integrator of the year.  Look for the next edition to arrive at your desktop Jan. 8.  If you're not currently a subscriber to the Integrator, why not have your name added to the subscription list today?  It's as easy as clicking this link and pressing send.