 To all of our Department of Defense civilians, contractors, and America's armed forces serving around the world, happy Thanksgiving. The sacrifices you and your families make to defend democracy are not forgotten by the Secretary and me, or by the millions of Americans who depend on your service to the nation. I know that many of you are separated from family and relatives this holiday season, whether deployed to NATO's Eastern flank, the Indo-Pacific region, or aboard ships and submarines providing deterrence and defense around the globe. Even for those stationed with their loved ones, we know some of you won't be home for dinner because you're standing watch, like the military police guarding our installations, homeland defense personnel looking out for threats at NORAD, and teams ensuring the U.S. military's logistics machine keeps moving at Transcom. You stand watch so that your fellow Americans can enjoy their holidays in safety and peace. We must also remember that many families across our country are marking this Thanksgiving without their loved ones, because they have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Secretary Austin and I are committed to honoring your sacrifices and theirs, not just today, but every day, by ensuring we continue to improve how we care for our nation's most precious resource. That's you, our people. We're working toward improving your economic security and strengthening the support we provide your families as part of the sacred bond we make to honor your service. So this Thanksgiving, on behalf of the Department, I want to say thank you for all you do, for your unending support to NACITY and determination, and for your willingness to wake up each and every day to face our most pressing national security challenges. Happy Thanksgiving.