WEBVTT

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(gentle orchestral music)

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- Hello, 117th.

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Chief Allen and I are coming to you

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from the historic 117th Air
Refueling Wing dining facility.

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We wanted to get this holiday
season kicked off right.

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2020's been a year of ups and downs for us

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here on the base.

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There's so much of the
first part of the year

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we were unsure with the COVID-19 pandemic

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and how that would challenge us,

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not only in our personal lives,

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but our installation lives, too.

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We kept our vital missions running.

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We introduced some new
words to our vocabulary,

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such as virtual drill,
telework, split shifts,

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social distancing, and then
the dreaded quarantine.

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They didn't miss with that.

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You got a new commander
and a new command chief.

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But now as we enter the holiday season,

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we've been back full-time fighting force

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for almost four months now,

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doing our normal drills, flying
a normal flying schedule.

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We even picked up an extra
mission along the way.

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Through it all, you've shown
why you're the best there is

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at what you do.

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You persevered, came up with
new processes and procedures.

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You've taken care of yourselves
and others on the base.

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It's a testament to your
dedication to the mission

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and the sacrifices you've made

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to keep yourselves and your fellow Airman

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safe from COVID-19.

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- But we're not out of the woods yet.

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As we enter the holiday
season, we wanna ensure

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that you not only enjoy
your well-deserved downtime,

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but also take into consideration
your health and safety,

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as well as the health and
safety of your families,

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both at home and here at the 117th.

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That being said, please
remember the following.

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Continue to mind social
distancing whenever possible.

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When not able to social
distance, wear a mask.

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Wash your hands or use
hand sanitizer often.

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Avoid close contact
with those who are sick

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or showing symptoms of COVID-19.

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If you are in close contact with someone,

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please report it to your
supervision immediately

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and take appropriate measures

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to ensure yours and your family's safety.

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And above all else,

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if you're sick or are symptomatic
with COVID-19 symptoms,

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do not come to work.

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- Well, despite all those challenges

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2020 continues to throw at us,

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there's so many things we need
to be thankful for this year.

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Chief and I would like to
send out a special thanks

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to those who've been
deployed this past year,

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those who are deployed right now,

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and the families and friends

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that give them support and
encouragement every day

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while they're away serving our country.

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We've all earned it this year,

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so go out and celebrate
hard, celebrate wisely,

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but remember our mission begins
and ends with each of you.

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You're the Wing's most important asset.

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Thank you for all that you do.

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I hope you have a happy
and safe Thanksgiving.

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(gentle orchestral music)