by svanderwerff | 24 December 2014 Shipmates, As the year comes to a close, I want to wish you a happy holiday season and thank you for linking arms as we work together to have made a difference over this past year, and for what lies ahead. Thank you for serving our Navy and Marine Corps comrades with honor, courage, and commitment; supporting the Navy Medicine enterprise and providing quality health care for all those who depend on us. I am reminded daily of your talents and professionalism. We are fortunate to have a truly skilled, experienced, and exceptional workforce providing value to our mission and keeping Navy Medicine ready to respond. To all of our amazing military and civilian shipmates around the globe who make up our Navy Medicine family - from the junior enlisted, civilian, to our most senior staffer and leader - you are the people I want at my side. It makes no difference where you are. You are making a difference in the lives of our families and service members. You continue to humble me in your ability to meet the mission day in and day out in the face of fiscal and organizational demands and uncertain times. You've heard me say before and I'll say it again, there are 63,000 reasons why I'm so proud to count myself among you. It's you. It is this Navy Medicine family, our most valued resource, which makes me honored to serve with you. We have much to be proud of as a Navy Medicine team. Your achievements throughout the year are proof of your dedication to the mission, your ethos of professionalism and your compassion for those whom we are entrusted to provide care. The holidays are here and that means there is much to celebrate and be grateful for, but the holidays can also bring on extra stress. So I ask you to stay safe, lookout for one another, and take care of yourself. Remember..."Ship, Shipmate, Self," especially during the holidays. Please remember those who are away from home and loved ones. Many of our shipmates will be underway this holiday season. Others will be in the field, overseas and far away from family and friends. This time of year brings happiness but sometimes loneliness. Reach out to your shipmates and colleagues. Let them know you are there to lean on if they need it. And by the same token, don't hesitate to raise your hand and ask for help if you need it. Taking care of ourselves and our shipmates this holiday season will keep our Navy Medicine family stay strong and ready. It's an honor to serve with you. From my family to yours, have the safest and happiest of holidays. VR, Matt Nathan SG sends