The holiday season Published Dec. 19, 2013 By Maj. Richard Hulun 49th Contracting Squadron commander HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The holiday season is upon us to include Thanksgiving, Hanukah and Christmas coincided with Black Friday, Cyber Monday and whatever other shopping day the industry can piggy back on for us to spend money on gifts for the ones we love. Last year, I was deployed to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and was celebrating the holiday season with my Airmen, as we were all away from our loved ones. There, I reminded them to be thankful because even though we had to keep our guard up, each of us received a bountiful hot meal. Because of the mission, the base worked day and night to include any day which is celebrated. This wasn't my first time being away from my friends and family during the holidays, and it wasn't for many of my troops either. For the troops experiencing this situation for the first time, it was a time to help reflect on what sacrifices are needed to be made in order to gain the sovereignty we enjoy here in the United States. We volunteered to protect the Constitution of the United States...and your duty deployed is to ensure the mission in the Area of Responsibility doesn't fail. It's a similar motto at any other base outside the AOR, thus at a decreased tempo allowing us to effectively train, better equip, become smarter in our professions, and most of all...spend quality time with our family, friends and loved ones. As leave is taken, time off is earned, down days are granted and weekends are embraced, ensure you make a toast to the men and women down range who are making that sacrifice so we all can enjoy the freedoms they are helping us maintain. Happy Holidays and a healthy, prosperous New Year!!!