WEBVTT

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And 12 Merry merry

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Christmas .

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I'm Brigadier General Leland Blanchard ,

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commanding general of the DC National

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Guard , and on behalf of Command

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Sergeant Major Smith and our spouses ,

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we want to wish you a safe and

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prosperous holiday season . What an

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incredible year . 2025 re-emphasized

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our commitment to readiness ,

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transformation , people , and

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partnerships . We truly recognize the

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value of each soldier , airman , and

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civilian . And we are honored to have

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you on our team . This time of year

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reminds us what matters most family ,

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friends , and the values that unite us

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as Americans . We also know firsthand

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what it's like to spend the holidays

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far from home . And we are mindful that

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many of you aren't spending the

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holidays with your loved ones . Thank

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you for your sacrifice and your

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selfless service , no matter where you

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call home . And while the holidays are

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typically a time for joyous

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celebrations , it can also bring

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challenges . We urge you to look out

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for one another , your time , attention .

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Can make a profound difference . Please

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know your well-being is vital to our

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mission . We also want to extend our

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gratitude to your family for their

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sacrifices , whether it's long duty

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hours , missed celebrations , life

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transitions , or personal achievements .

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Our work wouldn't be easy without your

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resilience and your invaluable support .

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This holiday season , pause and

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reconnect . Best wishes in 2026 to you ,

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your family , and our communities who

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stand by you . And from our family to

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yours , happy holidays .

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Son of a gun . What an incredible

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OK .

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Take 82 I

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told you no big words . I want to try

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that one more time .

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I'm sorry . Oh

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wait , start it over . Oh , I thought

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it was me . If you hear the

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sound of jets taking off , he doesn't

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like what you said . Wonderful .

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Thank you . No , you did great .