1 00:00:01,353 --> 00:00:03,690 - II MEF Information Group family and friends, 2 00:00:03,690 --> 00:00:04,880 I'm Colonel Brian Russell, 3 00:00:04,880 --> 00:00:06,690 the Commanding Officer of II MIG, 4 00:00:06,690 --> 00:00:08,470 and I wanna wish each and every one of you 5 00:00:08,470 --> 00:00:10,643 a very happy holiday season. 6 00:00:11,600 --> 00:00:13,930 I know many of you are looking forward to some time off, 7 00:00:13,930 --> 00:00:17,750 after what's been a year of some unanticipated challenges. 8 00:00:17,750 --> 00:00:20,100 In the midst of a global pandemic, 9 00:00:20,100 --> 00:00:21,740 natural disasters, 10 00:00:21,740 --> 00:00:24,300 and civil unrest across our nation, 11 00:00:24,300 --> 00:00:25,880 I've been impressed by your ability 12 00:00:25,880 --> 00:00:27,910 to stay focused on the mission, 13 00:00:27,910 --> 00:00:29,700 and fought through that adversity 14 00:00:29,700 --> 00:00:32,340 to maintain our warfighting readiness. 15 00:00:32,340 --> 00:00:33,800 Highlights, like our support 16 00:00:33,800 --> 00:00:37,220 to the MEF's largest exercise in two years, 17 00:00:37,220 --> 00:00:38,680 the very first deployment 18 00:00:38,680 --> 00:00:42,290 of a task-organized MIG detachment overseas, 19 00:00:42,290 --> 00:00:43,580 and the continuing efforts 20 00:00:43,580 --> 00:00:46,070 to operate in the information environment 21 00:00:46,070 --> 00:00:47,580 against our adversaries 22 00:00:47,580 --> 00:00:52,390 are strong signs we can continue to train, fight, and win. 23 00:00:52,390 --> 00:00:55,420 The hope normally associated with holidays like Christmas 24 00:00:55,420 --> 00:00:56,760 is enhanced this year, 25 00:00:56,760 --> 00:00:59,730 with the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine. 26 00:00:59,730 --> 00:01:03,620 The combined power of science, industry, and our government 27 00:01:03,620 --> 00:01:08,040 has developed several safe vaccines in unprecedented time, 28 00:01:08,040 --> 00:01:09,400 which gives us hope 29 00:01:09,400 --> 00:01:12,620 that this pandemic is, in fact, on the decline. 30 00:01:12,620 --> 00:01:14,120 While medical personnel 31 00:01:14,120 --> 00:01:15,690 and units preparing to deploy 32 00:01:15,690 --> 00:01:18,510 will be the first to receive this vaccine, 33 00:01:18,510 --> 00:01:20,830 we will do our part to keep you noticed, 34 00:01:20,830 --> 00:01:23,640 as soon as those vaccinations become available. 35 00:01:23,640 --> 00:01:28,350 To be clear, receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is voluntary. 36 00:01:28,350 --> 00:01:31,300 While we wait for the full availability of those vaccines, 37 00:01:31,300 --> 00:01:33,190 we all must continue to do our part 38 00:01:33,190 --> 00:01:35,410 to reduce the transmission of this virus. 39 00:01:35,410 --> 00:01:38,730 Masks, hand-washing, and limiting gatherings 40 00:01:38,730 --> 00:01:41,190 is really the best defense for the time being 41 00:01:41,190 --> 00:01:43,030 against this virus. 42 00:01:43,030 --> 00:01:45,140 Again, Sergeant Major and I wish each of you 43 00:01:45,140 --> 00:01:47,800 a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, 44 00:01:47,800 --> 00:01:50,980 and we look forward to seeing each of you in 2021. 45 00:01:50,980 --> 00:01:51,973 Semper fidelis.