As another holiday season approaches, we should make the most of the opportunity to gather with friends and Family — for it’s during the holiday season that we are pointedly reminded of the values we treasure as Americans and why we continue to strive to safeguard our Nation.
Our grateful country salutes its Army Reserve Soldiers and their Families for their service and sacrifice in ensuring the freedoms we all enjoy. 
Freedoms like spending the holiday season with loved ones and celebrating in special, individual ways. As you observe the holidays within your own Family traditions, I encourage you to do so responsibly.
This holiday season we have much to celebrate. Our military has successfully completed its mission in Iraq and has been a big part of bringing a new democracy and stability to that region. The Army Reserve continues its key role supporting the operational force in Afghanistan, while supporting humanitarian relief, disaster response, and theater security cooperation missions around the world.
While we have many Soldiers coming home, we must keep in mind those who are currently deployed or stationed overseas. Soldiers serving in harm’s way in Afghanistan, Kuwait, the Horn of Africa and other locations will be away from Family and friends during the holidays. I ask that you keep them in mind and hold them close in your prayers.
We must also remember the Soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives in service to this great Nation, and our Wounded Warriors, who are fighting to recover from their injuries. Reach out to them and reach out to their Families during this holiday season — help bring good cheer and happy memories.
Take care of yourselves, your buddies and your Families throughout the holidays and into the New Year. Each and every one of you are invaluable to our Nation and to its future. Should you or a Soldier you know need help or need someone to talk to, have the courage to reach out to someone in your command, in your unit, in your Family, or in the numerous support programs the Army Reserve provides. No Soldier need ever be alone.
My wife, Laura, and I wish you a very safe and happy holiday season and we look forward to a healthy and prosperous New Year for the whole Army Reserve Family.
JACK C. STULTZ
Lieutenant General, US Army
Chief, Army Reserve/Commanding General, US Army Reserve Command
To view Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz and Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Schultz video message to the troops visit: http://youtu.be/Z0nKwF6Dzrc
See information below in key programs available to support AR Soldiers and their Families.
Army Reserve website for Behavioral Health information:
http://www.usar.army.mil/arweb/soldiers/suicideprev/Pages/default.aspx
Army Reserve Family Programs website: http://www.arfp.org
Military One Source: http://www.militaryonesource.com
Global Assessment Tool: http://csf.army.mil/index.html
Army Suicide Prevention Awareness Video, Shoulder to Shoulder: Finding Strength and Hope Together:
http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide/media2.asp
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
