December 23, 2003

Greetings from the Horn of Africa. This is Brigadier General Mastin Robeson and today is Sunday 21 December. The time is 10:00 in the evening Eastern Standard Time. As we enter this Christmas Season, I want to thank each of you for the superb support and encouragement you have been to us this past year. Separation during a family holiday season is never easy. It is a sacrifice that none of us looks forward to, and one that makes us miss you all the more. Not being home for the holidays is always hard, no matter the circumstances. I wish I could make the pain go away, but I cannot. However, I am reminded that the reason we celebrate this special time of the year is because of God’s sacrifice for us. This year, I encourage each of us to look beyond all the festive decorations, Christmas trees, music, and feasts. I encourage each of us to focus on the reason for the season. Two thousand years ago, God gave us the ultimate gift in the form of His Son. Today we exchange gifts as a symbol of this sacrifice. This year, I recommend we focus on the freedoms and family ties that we enjoy. Remember us here in the Horn of Africa, as you will certainly be in our hearts and minds. We miss you and look forward to when we can return home to be part of such family occasions again. Thank you for your cards, packages and e-mails. Keep us in your prayers. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Commander's message and information line is available toll free at 1-866-360-3775 or Camp Lejeune area 1-910-451-2222.