"We wish you a merry Christmas"

CDF General Peter Cosgrove	As 2002 draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the men and women of the ADF for their hard work, professionalism and dedication throughout the year. At no other time in my period of service have we had ADF elements committed to so many diverse operational scenarios. Soldiers, sailors, airmen and women have performed magnificently on these operations and done the ADF and the nation proud. There are many ADF members who remained at home and provided vital support to these deployments. I thank you for your efforts. Without you our numerous operations could not have been as successful as they have been. In addition to our many deployments, the ADF also has also been extremely busy training on single service and joint exercises, on joint exercises and with other defence forces both at home and abroad, as well as providing humanitarian assistance at short notice both at home and abroad. I know the separations that we endure from our family members when we are deployed on operations or exercises is keenly felt at any time of the year but never more so than at Christmas. I appreciate the sacrifice and commitment of those members who will not be with their loved ones during the festive season. Rest assured your work is much valued and appreciated. I would sincerely like to thank ADF families for their superb and continuous support during this busy year. We could not do our jobs effectively without knowing that our loved ones here at home are proud and supportive of our efforts. I would also like to acknowledge the support provided by DPE, DMO, CSIG and the Department to the services this year. Your work behind the scenes is crucial and makes us, I believe, the greatest department of state. I wish you all a safe and merry Christmas. I look forward to working with you in the New Year.
CAF Air Marshall Angus Houston	As 2002 draws to a close and our thoughts turn to Christmas and the New Year, it is timely to reflect on the year we are leaving behind and recall what we’ve achieved. Australia's commitment to its obligations as a treaty partner and good international citizen has seen the Air Force faced with an operational tempo unknown since the Vietnam War. During 2002 the Air Force played a key role in a number of operational deployments, including: the Middle East, Diego Garcia, East Timor, Bougainville, the South West Pacific, Kyrgyzstan, Australia and Bali. Our involvement in all these operations was highlighted by exemplary performance, professionalism, leadership and teamwork at all levels. I am proud of what you have achieved and congratulate you all on how readily and willingly you have adapted to the new pressures and challenges placed before you. You continue to serve with pride and dedication and prove to me that our Air Force Values are the foundation for all that we do. The concept of “service” is not always easy to quantify or describe, however I think we came close to encapsulating what it means to serve in the Air Force when the Governor-General unveiled the new National Air Force Memorial in November. The memorial recognises the sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the Air Force from the very earliest days of the Australian Flying Corps. The dedication ceremony was a moving experience for all of us who attended with the Prime Minister delivering an eloquent address. One of the most exciting events for us during the year was the decision by the Australian Government to participate in the development of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). From an Air Force perspective, the decision will put us at the forefront of developing the world’s most advanced combat aircraft. I believe the decision to participate in JSF development is forward looking and in the best interest of the Air Force, the ADF and Australia, now and in the future. On a more sombre note, the increased awareness in the community of Defence and security issues means that what we do, where we do it and how we do it is now more closely observed than before. The Australian community has sadly become aware of how fragile a concept “safe and secure” can be. We play an important role in ensuring Australians are able to live their lives in peace and harmony. And with that thought – peace and harmony – I wish you all the best for Christmas. Spend time with your family and friends – thank your loved ones for the support they provide to you. Without their support my job would be a lot harder. I know it can be difficult to keep a positive outlook in these uncertain times, and there’s no doubt we all need to remain alert and vigilant more than ever, but please remember that you must continue to live your lives and enjoy this holiday season. Thank you all for making 2002 a great year for Air Force. I look forward to working with you to make 2003 an even better year. Drive safely and take care if travelling.
WOFF RAAF Peter Hall	I AM delighted to have been asked to write this traditional Christmas message. This being my first opportunity to write for Air Force News, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the wonderful efforts of my predecessor, WOFF John Boydell – a great listener and an airman’s friend. Messages at this time of the year are usually full of cliches espousing the accelerating pace with which the year has gone by, reflecting on our achievements and looking forward to some time off to rejuvenate. For me, cliche or not, Christmas is about family and peace on earth. In working towards peace on the larger scale, some members of our Air Force family will be away from home over Christmas this year and my thoughts will be with you and your families as I am sure are the thoughts of those of us at home. Rest assured the Australian communitydeeply appreciates your commitment and sacrifices. Christmas, for most of us, is the time we should be taking stock of our lives, spending time with our families and doing the things that matter the most. Have a happy and peaceful Christmas, be careful and I’ll see you next year.
Minister for Defence Robert Hill	2002 has been a difficult and challenging year, with the Australian Defence Force engaged in its highest operational tempo since the Vietnam War and called on to assist after the devastating bombings in Bali. You have risen to the challenges, serving our country professionally and with distinction. I would like to take the opportunity this festive season to say thank you. Not just to the many personnel who have been deployed far and wide this year, but also to the rest of the Defence community – especially families – that provide the essential support for our Defence Force. We very much appreciate the sacrifices that you make and the dedication with which you serve. I wish you a happy and safe Christmas and I look forward to working with you again in 2003.
Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Danna Vale	I would like to wish you and your family a safe, happy and peaceful Christmas, and to send you my best wishes for 2003. I know there are some families who will be spending Christmas away from loved ones who are serving on deployment. Our thoughts are with you and with your family members, who are serving our nation in places such as East Timor and Bougainville. The men and women of the ADF do an outstanding job defending Australia’s national interests wherever and whenever they are called to serve. They would not be able to do so without the love, support and understanding of their families. The end of the year can also be a hectic time for Defence personnel and their families, when many face the challenges of new postings and moving away from friends and family. I wish you every success and trust that you will make many new friends in your communities. In the past year as Minister I have seen the Defence community and network provide enormous support for personnel and their families – support that is very much welcomed. I hope that as you look back on the year you share an overwhelming feeling of pride in the work of our ADF, the pride of the nation. Merry Christmas and happy New Year.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence Fran Bailey	This past year has been a busy one, full of challenges and demands not just for each of you but for your families as well. It has been a privilege and honour to have had the opportunity of meeting many of you throughout my many and varied visits around the country and seeing first hand the important role you play within Defence. You have all worked hard in representing Australia, at times travelling far from home for long periods, and I would like to thank you for your initiative and for your personal effort. The job you have is important to all Australians and I know it is appreciated and valued by people in all our communities. You are the human face of our Defence Force and in everything you do and wherever you are posted, my thoughts go with you at this special time of the year. I wish you and your families a safe and happy Christmas.