Happy Holiday

This is the final edition of the Signal for 2008. We wish you a happy and safe holiday season.

LEADERSHIP SENDS HOLIDAY MESSAGE

Our Army remains committed to the safety and well being of our Soldiers, Families and Civilians. Facing significant challenges these last several years, our team has performed magnificently. However, it makes sense during the holiday season that all our leaders remain vigilant and involved to ensure our Soldiers stay alert to all the hazards and frustrations they may face during the holidays. The holiday season can be a tough time for many. Those who engage in excessive alcohol or drug abuse, those who exhibit behaviors and other symptoms signaling depression or a sense of hopelessness are all especially vulnerable and susceptible to irrational acts, to include suicide. The key to mitigating risk is always good leadership, especially our first-line supervisors, and their ability to intervene with Soldiers exhibiting high risk behaviors.

In the New Year, we will re-double our efforts to enhance resilience across the force, and increase our physical, mental and emotional strength.

We will improve access to a continuum of comprehensive care and programs that enhance life skills. We ask that you go the extra mile in reminding all leaders about the challenges of the holiday season.

Thanks for all that you do for Soldiers, Families, and Civilians.

George W. Casey, Jr. General, United States Army Chief of Staff

Pete Geren Secretary of the Army