Actions really do speak louder than words

Published Dec. 9, 2010
By Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson

Patrick AFB, fla. -- If there is one thing anyone over the age of 10 has learned it's that "talk is cheap, actions really do speak louder than words."

That's why we should all be proud with the job Team Patrick/CCAFS does when it comes to taking care of our Airmen and the family members of our deployed service members.

We put our money where our mouths are...over and over again.

Earlier this week, thousands of holiday cookies were baked and distributed to our junior Airmen in the dorms and families of deployed troops as part our Annual Cookie Drive.

Next week, a host of children of our deployed troops will be treated to dinner and gifts, sponsored by our Civ/Mil partners who will be hosting the monthly "Deployed Spouses Dinner" at the Airman & Family Readiness Center.

A few weeks ago, Civ/Mil leaders donated a check in the amount of $14,000 to the "Key Spouses" team, to help bring deployed family members together in an off-base, social setting.

We could go on and on. It's simply amazing to see the actions made day in and day out to support each other. And we know, for every act of kindness brought to our attention, countless others happen "under the radar"...except by our beloved service members deployed overseas.

For those of you who have been deployed - and there are thousands of you all along the Space Coast right now - you understand the peace of mind and security when your family members are "being taken care of back home". It's one less thing to have to think about, when so much depends on your complete focus on the mission, wherever that may be this holiday season.

For those of us safe and secure, this season is another opportunity to simply say "thank you" (whether by word or deed) to the many men and women deployed downrange who do so much for all of us, while asking so little in return. As always, we trust you'll keep each of them, as well as their families and friends, in your thoughts and prayers.

Thanks for all you do.