AF leaders send holiday message Published Nov. 25, 2003 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The following is a joint message from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:“Thanksgiving is a wonderful national tradition that provides a special opportunity to recount our blessings as Americans.“Today, we have much for which to be thankful. We serve a free and peace-loving nation that appreciates what we do to preserve our security. Our total force of more than 700,000 active, guard, reserve and civilian airmen is blessed with world-class capability and training that has been tested and proven on the battlefield. We are a force of professional airmen, forged in combat, but dedicated to the pursuit of peace and security, and situated on an unshakeable foundation -- our integrity, excellence and the privilege of serving a cause greater than our own self interests. “For your service and support of those bedrock principles, we offer our sincere and humble thanks. You are the strength and power that symbolizes America’s Air Force -- the world’s greatest air and space power.“On this Thanksgiving Day, we are thankful for each of you who serve -- you are remarkable people, many of whom are deployed far from home, engaged in the global war on terrorism. We encourage those who are not deployed to remember the families of deployed airmen and include them in your holiday plans. We’re very proud of you and your families who have answered our nation’s call. Thank you for your dedication and professionalism while protecting our cherished freedoms. Happy Thanksgiving!”