Commander Toth sends holiday best wishes to Team AEDC Published Dec. 8, 2014 By Col. Raymond Toth AEDC/PA ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. -- As we near the end of 2014, I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone all the best during this holiday season and reflect on what we accomplished this year. Over the last twelve months, we accomplished the highest test workload in nearly a decade and we did it with our smallest staff ever, proving we can be both effective and efficient: · The Air Force Research Laboratory stood up a new branch at Arnold, cementing our partnership in aerospace development. · Our Space and Missile Combined Test Force (CTF) supported the U.S. Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) by testing the largest solid rocket motor to date at AEDC. · We started two new contracts - PMEL and PBR - as part of our larger transition to a new contractual model. · Our Flight CTF and Analysis Branch helped the A-10 Thunderbolt II community develop new wing enhancements to improve the performance and maintainability of the aircraft. · The Space and Missiles CTF helped NASA understand what happens when satellites and space debris collide. · The Propulsion CTF achieved a 98 percent efficiency rating while putting 2,600 Total Accumulated Cycles (TAC) on an F135 engine for the Conventional Take-Off and Landing version of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. Those are just a small sampling of the big test events that made national headlines, but we all know there was an amazing amount of additional work, including testing, sustainment, improvement and modernization, instrumentation and controls and other critical work that occurred that never made those headlines but was equally important! During the month of December, many of us will take time off from work to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year. Whether you are celebrating one of the many faith-based holidays or merely getting caught up in the spirit of the season, I'm sure each of you is looking forward to some much needed time away from work. You earned the time off. But please remember our fire fighters, police and operations center staff who work 24/7/365 schedules. Also remember those men and women in uniform in combat operations which know no holiday. During this busy holiday season (we are still busy here at work, too) I encourage you to keep all your safety training in mind and have a plan for the task you're about to do. If you are at a holiday party and plan to drink, make sure you have a sober designated driver. If you're hanging Christmas lights, use proper protective equipment and tools. Be mindful of what you're sharing on social media and your privacy settings. Also, be cautious if something "just doesn't look right" in both your physical and virtual environments. Just as important this season is to remember your co-workers who may not be surrounded by family or who may choose not to participate in holiday celebrations. Be respectful of each other, and also be mindful of those who may need emotional support during this time. I ask you all to take the time to refresh yourselves. We have a full test forecast and a busy transition period ahead, and I need all of us to be at the top of our game. Thank you for all you do for our nation every day. I'm honored to serve beside each of you.