Letter to Airmen - Thank you Published Nov. 25, 2015 By Lt. Gen. Samuel D. Cox Commander, 18th Air Force SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill -- 18 AF Airmen, First, let me say what an honor it is to be back in the mobility business and Eighteenth Air Force! Your reputation for dedicated service and professionalism is well established and precedes you wherever you go. Whether you are airdropping Paratroopers over Spain, refueling fighters over the Middle East or returning our wounded from Afghanistan, the men and women of 18th Air Force always get the job done. You have accomplished many significant achievements in 2015: deployed to support the people of Nepal after a 7.9 magnitude earthquake left more than 2,500 dead and 6,000 injured; exercised our Global Response Force mission in Exercise Trident Juncture, the largest NATO exercise in Europe in 20 years; and continued to fuel the fight against Islamic extremists ... the list could go on for pages. When needed, without hesitation, the Airmen of 18th Air Force always respond. As you prepare to celebrate the holidays with your families and friends, please remember to be safe. Each of you is important, both as a member of our 18th Air Force family and as a vital part of our Mobility Enterprise. Use good risk management, make smart choices and come back safe. For those of you far from home this holiday season, know that you and your families are always in our thoughts and prayers. Tammy and I wish you a happy and safe holiday season.