A time for families

WOFF RAAF Peter Hall

WOFF RAAF Peter Hall

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 revitalise and rejuvenate for next year.

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 community at large deeply appreciates your commitment and sacrifices.

The current operational tempo is the highest for some time (generations in fact) and this increased workload has an enormous effect on our people and our families. Throughout the year, I have been constantly amazed at the dedication, commitment and work ethic of Air Force people generally in units around Australia. This selfless enthusiasm and loyalty to the Air Force mission and goals is testament to our values and the culture within our organisation.

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 most. From an Air Force perspective, thank you for your continued efforts throughout 2004 in what has been a difficult, demanding and challenging year.

Have a happy and peaceful Christmas, be careful and I’ll see you next year.

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