 As the New Year approaches, I want to take a moment to thank you for your service in the Navy Reserve. You've made significant contributions to the total force over the past year, particularly in Afghanistan, Djibouti, the Arabian Gulf, and Guantanamo Bay, where thousands of you have provided critical operational support to our combatant commanders. At the same time, those of you who have served outside the combat zone provided value capabilities to our Navy and the nation, from mission support to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, both at home and abroad. I'm extremely proud of what you've accomplished, and I look forward to another successful year for the Navy Reserve in 2014. The holidays are a special time for family and friends, and I want to wish you and your family the very best for a happy and safe holiday season. As you go about your holiday preparations, I ask that you take some time to reach out to your deployed shipmates and their families. We all know that being away from home during this time of the year can be difficult. So please let those deployed sailors and their families know how much their service means and remind them that they're not alone. The Navy family takes pride in caring for its own. For some, the holiday season can be a challenging time. If you need help or if you know of someone who does, there are resources available. Your Navy Operational Support Center's Ombudsman is always a ready resource. Another valuable service is Military OneSource. To access their programs, please go to their website and register. I wish you and your family many blessings during this holiday season and a very happy new year.