A holiday message from the 47th FTW commander Published Dec. 16, 2010 By Col. Michael Frankel 47th Flying Training Wing commander LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Happy Holidays! Seven months ago my family and I received what I consider to be one of the biggest blessings in our lives. We were invited to be part of Team XL! When you're selected to come to Del Rio, you hear many stories of how great it's going to be, but you can't really understand it until you're here. Our team, comprised of military members, government service employees, contractors and all of the accompanying families, is a group that just can't be labeled. Stellar is an understatement. Day in and day out this team does an amazing job and continually exceeds my expectations. What I've come to realize in seven incredibly short months is that it all revolves around teamwork. Our varied assortment of professionals set aside their personal differences each and every day to become Team XL - ready and willing to work together towards our united mission to train the world's greatest pilots and deploy mission-ready Airmen. So, thank you! Thank you for your hard work, dedication and commitment to Team XL. I ask that each of you take the time this holiday season to relax and make some memories with the people most important to you. While you do, please remember those who can't be together with loved ones for the holidays; those who are deployed and in harm's way, those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms and the families that are missing them. Our nation is at war and the sacrifices that they, and you, make every day are never forgotten. Finally, each of you are an integral part of our Laughlin family and we can't afford to lose a single person. Please exercise sound safety and risk management techniques to help ensure that Team XL enjoys a mishap-free holiday. Have a great holiday season!