1 00:00:00,250 --> 00:00:03,829 And 12 Merry merry 2 00:00:04,070 --> 00:00:05,070 Christmas . 3 00:00:38,259 --> 00:00:40,537 I'm Brigadier General Leland Blanchard , 4 00:00:40,537 --> 00:00:42,648 commanding general of the DC National 5 00:00:42,648 --> 00:00:44,540 Guard , and on behalf of Command 6 00:00:44,540 --> 00:00:46,889 Sergeant Major Smith and our spouses , 7 00:00:47,220 --> 00:00:49,259 we want to wish you a safe and 8 00:00:49,259 --> 00:00:51,819 prosperous holiday season . What an 9 00:00:51,819 --> 00:00:54,659 incredible year . 2025 re-emphasized 10 00:00:54,659 --> 00:00:56,326 our commitment to readiness , 11 00:00:56,326 --> 00:00:57,992 transformation , people , and 12 00:00:57,992 --> 00:01:00,419 partnerships . We truly recognize the 13 00:01:00,419 --> 00:01:02,475 value of each soldier , airman , and 14 00:01:02,475 --> 00:01:05,010 civilian . And we are honored to have 15 00:01:05,010 --> 00:01:07,010 you on our team . This time of year 16 00:01:07,339 --> 00:01:10,529 reminds us what matters most family , 17 00:01:10,849 --> 00:01:13,120 friends , and the values that unite us 18 00:01:13,120 --> 00:01:15,889 as Americans . We also know firsthand 19 00:01:15,889 --> 00:01:17,945 what it's like to spend the holidays 20 00:01:17,945 --> 00:01:20,430 far from home . And we are mindful that 21 00:01:20,430 --> 00:01:22,208 many of you aren't spending the 22 00:01:22,208 --> 00:01:24,550 holidays with your loved ones . Thank 23 00:01:24,550 --> 00:01:26,589 you for your sacrifice and your 24 00:01:26,589 --> 00:01:29,430 selfless service , no matter where you 25 00:01:29,430 --> 00:01:32,029 call home . And while the holidays are 26 00:01:32,029 --> 00:01:34,430 typically a time for joyous 27 00:01:34,430 --> 00:01:36,669 celebrations , it can also bring 28 00:01:36,669 --> 00:01:39,309 challenges . We urge you to look out 29 00:01:39,309 --> 00:01:41,790 for one another , your time , attention . 30 00:01:42,449 --> 00:01:45,250 Can make a profound difference . Please 31 00:01:45,250 --> 00:01:47,730 know your well-being is vital to our 32 00:01:47,730 --> 00:01:49,849 mission . We also want to extend our 33 00:01:49,849 --> 00:01:51,839 gratitude to your family for their 34 00:01:51,839 --> 00:01:54,330 sacrifices , whether it's long duty 35 00:01:54,330 --> 00:01:57,209 hours , missed celebrations , life 36 00:01:57,209 --> 00:01:59,589 transitions , or personal achievements . 37 00:01:59,970 --> 00:02:02,137 Our work wouldn't be easy without your 38 00:02:02,137 --> 00:02:04,910 resilience and your invaluable support . 39 00:02:05,239 --> 00:02:07,599 This holiday season , pause and 40 00:02:07,599 --> 00:02:11,309 reconnect . Best wishes in 2026 to you , 41 00:02:11,600 --> 00:02:13,711 your family , and our communities who 42 00:02:13,711 --> 00:02:16,119 stand by you . And from our family to 43 00:02:16,119 --> 00:02:18,479 yours , happy holidays . 44 00:02:45,880 --> 00:02:49,750 Son of a gun . What an incredible 45 00:02:50,619 --> 00:02:51,199 OK . 46 00:02:55,169 --> 00:02:59,139 Take 82 I 47 00:02:59,139 --> 00:03:02,449 told you no big words . I want to try 48 00:03:02,449 --> 00:03:03,616 that one more time . 49 00:03:06,399 --> 00:03:10,270 I'm sorry . Oh 50 00:03:10,270 --> 00:03:12,830 wait , start it over . Oh , I thought 51 00:03:12,830 --> 00:03:16,830 it was me . If you hear the 52 00:03:16,830 --> 00:03:19,270 sound of jets taking off , he doesn't 53 00:03:19,270 --> 00:03:22,949 like what you said . Wonderful . 54 00:03:24,009 --> 00:03:24,289 Thank you . No , you did great .