WEBVTT

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As we reach the end of another year ,

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Command Sergeant Major Pena and I want

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to take a moment to recognize the

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incredible people who make this

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installation what it is . Every day you

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bring commitment , resilience , and a

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sense of community that strengthens

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this entire team . Whether you're a

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soldier , a family member , a DA

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civilian , or a contractor , your hard

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work and support had carried us through

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a demanding and successful year . We

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are grateful for everything you do and

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for the way you lift each other up

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along the way . As we enter into this

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holiday season , I want to reinforce an

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important point the Secretary of the

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Army recently shared . He reminds us

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that while this time of year brings joy

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to many , it can also bring stress ,

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loneliness , or emotional burdens to

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others . Some soldiers may be Carry

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more than we realize . We need leaders

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at all levels to stay connected with

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all our soldiers and continue to check

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on them throughout the holiday period .

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A quick text , a call , a conversation

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at the door . It's not a task or a

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drill . It's leadership and it's how we

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take care of our people , especially

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now . I also want to take a moment to

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think about our Fort Polk soldiers who

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were deployed this holiday season .

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While we are celebrating here at home ,

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they're standing watch in places far

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from family or to the comforts of home .

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We're incredibly proud of them and

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we're holding them close in our hearts .

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And to the families who are spending

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the holidays with an empty chair at the

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table , thank you . Your strength and

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your unwavering support make it

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possible for your soldiers to serve .

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This community stands with you and

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we're grateful for the sacrifices you

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make every single day . As you

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celebrate or travel , please be safe .

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Look out for one another , make smart

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decisions , and come back ready for a

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strong start in 2026 . Thank you for a

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tremendous year . We are honored to

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serve alongside you . Merry Christmas

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and happy New Year .