Commander's Blog

Why do we come to work each day? What drives us? Well, for the team at USAMMDA, I believe we'd all agree that our deployed Warfighters are our first priority. And during the holiday season, the sacrifices of these brave men and women really come into focus when we consider that they are overseas, far away from their own loved ones so that we can remain safe at home with ours. In fact, one of our USAMMDA family members, CPT Amanda Roth, is currently deployed. We're putting together a holiday care package to send to her, and LTC Fruge is leading this effort for us. Although it may not be the same as being at home this season, I'm sure that CPT Roth will appreciate our heartfelt gesture. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her and everyone on deployment this holiday season.

But we continue to do our part, as the products we are working on are helping to protect our military members, allowing them to remain strong and ready at all times. We're helping to save lives. What we do helps to ensure that what they do is successful. And this comes back to protecting the freedom we have here in our country. This freedom allows us to enjoy our friends, family and loved ones during the holidays, and all year long. Helping to keep our Warfighters safe is our way of life – it's truly a great vocation.

And speaking of the holidays, our USAMMDA Holiday Party is taking place this week, and I'm sure everyone is looking forward to the great food, games and fun that are planned for the event. Thinking back to the great time we all had last year, I'm really excited about this week's party. This is the time of year for us to enjoy our friends and family, and to relax a bit as we get ready for the start of another new year. Our USAMMDA leadership team wishes you all the best, with whatever particular holiday traditions you may celebrate. During the holidays, we should all come together and set aside the differences that may divide us at times. These types of gatherings are often a great comfort. I know in our home, our daughter really enjoys going to pick out the Christmas tree together as a family, and I really look forward to this outing each year.

And as you go out and about this winter season – and I know many of us still have a lot of holiday shopping to finish – remember to check your vehicles and prepare them for winter driving. We've already had a significant snowfall just last month, and the prediction is that we may have some heavy snows this season. It's always a good idea to store an emergency pack in your car, with blankets, water, salt, ice scrapers/brushes, and even a small shovel. You should check the tread depth and air pressure of your tires, as well as the washer and antifreeze fluid levels. You can never be too cautious when it comes to preventing a winter emergency. We always practice safety here within the USAMMDA building, but safety shouldn't end once you leave the workplace. It's important that we all remain safe and healthy, everywhere, so that we can come to work each day and continue our critical mission. Our Warfighters, at home and abroad, are counting on us to do so.

I wish everyone a very safe, happy and healthy holiday season, and a wonderful New Year!

COL Ryan Bailey