Hope for peace -- the victory over terrorism Published Dec. 14, 2007 By Gen. Bruce Carlson Air Force Materiel Command TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Each year at this time many of us express our hope for peace on earth. In the good will we cultivate toward one another, we can share the faith that some day that hope will become real. Someday. For now, international terrorism frustrates our desire for peace, but I hope it also makes our commitment to peace on earth stronger. In the ideology of hate, we confront a vicious and formidable enemy, which will not countenance peace. Terrorists who pervert religious faith are widely believed to be committed to a war lasting as long as it takes to topple the modern world and put in its place the oppression bred by religious fanaticism. We, and succeeding generations of Americans, can not allow that to happen. One of the reasons I am proud to serve with you, the men and women of Air Force Materiel Command, is because the work we do is vital to our nation's stand against oppressors, murderers and zealots ... and for individual freedom. Some people would say that providing warriors the weapons for combat, as we do in Air Force Materiel Command, is at odds with a desire for peace. But I believe we give our warfighters the capabilities required to defend against and ultimately prevail over the evil that denies peace throughout the world. We, too, are warriors in the fight to secure peace. Please remember our fellow warriors who are deployed far away from their homes, families and friends during this holiday season. Direct your hopes for peace and your thoughts of good will toward them, as well as your own families and friends, your co-workers, and people less fortunate. AFMC has had many successes this year, and I thank you for those. It is my honor to be one of you, to lead this command, and to share in the vital work we do. Vicki and I wish you all the most joyful of seasons and look forward to the new year with great hope for AFMC, the Air Force, and someday ... peace on earth.