My wife, Paula, and I want to extend our warmest greetings and best wishes to you and yours.

This past year has been exciting for the Corps, with a historical workload in our Civil Works, Military Programs and research and development missions. Our Corps Family can take pride of the integral role that we've played in helping the Army improve the lives of our Soldiers and their Families. We've worked diligently with our local, state, and federal partners to reduce risk to Americans through key flood control and coastal projects, and we provided our Nation with critical engineering expertise. Our Corps employees served selflessly in assisting the good people of Louisiana and Texas recover from Gustav and Ike during a very active hurricane season.

I am especially grateful to our Corps' Civilians and Soldiers who will spend this Holiday season away from their loved ones- many in harms way. Please join us in praying for them and their families and giving thanks for their selfless service and sacrifice.

Have a safe and joyful Holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

BUILDING STRONG

Best,

Van