A Touch of Class

From today's paper, a letter to the editor:

With the holiday season upon us, I want to offer a sincere thank you to the host communities around Alaska who enable the continued success for the more than 23,000 men and women in uniform -- active duty, National Guard and reserve -- who live and serve in Alaska.

While we reflect on the collective accomplishments we have made in 2009, we must acknowledge the unwavering support of our neighbors and friends out of uniform. Our success comes only through your support and sustained trust in how we execute our mission.

This time of year allows all of us to spend very special moments with family and friends and to thank our service members and their families who are serving around the world -- some in harm's way in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq.

Again, our sincere thanks for what each of you and your families do every day for our armed forces and for our great nation! Happy holidays.

-- Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins

commander, Alaskan Command