Happy Holidays Published Dec. 15, 2015 By Col. Douglas Schiess PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The holiday season is right around the corner and it's a joyous time of year full of fun, winter activities, and quality time spent with both family and friends. Even though the holidays are a perfect time to celebrate the many blessings in our lives, sometimes unwanted stressors try to sneak into the celebration and ruin the holiday festivities. While it's easy to get caught up in the holiday demands during this time of year, some simple planning can minimize the stress accompanying them. The Air Force's Comprehensive Airmen Fitness (CAF) program provides multiple avenues that enhance the capacity of our total force to effectively manage stress. Whether it's Health and Wellness classes, Key Spouse programs, or chaplaincy resources; Airmen and their families have the resources to seek assistance and help alleviate life's challenges and stressors. Also, please keep all the Airmen who are either stationed or deployed across the globe in your thoughts and prayers as you celebrate the holiday season, and don't forget about our teammates keeping watch 24/7 on the home front throughout the holidays. We are grateful for their service to our nation, and we must continue to be good wingmen to them and their families during this time of the year. No one should feel forgotten, especially during the holidays. During the holiday season, we must also keep in mind the communities where we both live and work. Whether you're stationed in Colorado, across the United States, or one of the 13 time zones 21st Space Wing assets reside; continue to be good stewards to our neighbors and support your local communities. Volunteering a little time can make a huge impact to a local volunteer program, and can be a rewarding experience for both Airmen and their families. Contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center if you're interested in giving back to the community. Most importantly, be safe this holiday season. No matter how you celebrate this season, please take care of yourselves, your families, and your wingmen. Make a smart plan to be safe over the holidays, and use sound risk management whether traveling away from home or sitting by the fireplace with friends. Each one of you plays a critical role in maintaining space superiority for our homeland and its allies, and I look forward to your safe return in the New Year. Thank you for your continued dedication, service, and support to the 21st SW mission. Enjoy some well-deserved time off, get some rest and enjoy the holidays. Because of your continued support to the Air Force's premier space wing we accomplished a lot of great things in 2015, and I look forward to keeping that momentum going into 2016. Have a safe and happy holiday season; I wish you all a Happy New Year!