[Joyful Holiday Music] Welcome to a magical journey filled with warmth wonder and the joy of the holiday spirit.

I'm Samantha Jones from KMOV TV in St. Louis and I'm pleased to join the Air Force Band of Mid America from Scott Air Force Base, Illinois to celebrate this year's holiday season.

The holidays are a time when memories are made,so grab your loved ones close and snuggle under a warm blanket as we start with a song that's sure to capture the excitement of the season.

As we celebrate the spirit of Christmas we also want to recognize some of our nation's unsung heroes.

Military nurses who have often been symbols of hope for those far from home during the holidays.

From the trenches of World War I to the fields of Vietnam and now into the 21st century, their stories are a reminder that kindness and love can shine through even in the darkest of times.

Here to honor our nation's angels of the battlefield is the Midwest Winds Quintet with "Angels We Have Heard on High".

It's no secret that many of our nation's military members are often away from home during the holidays.

For most personnel, being separated from family members isn't really new.

National defense never stops, even on Christmas.

Our dedicated airmen still have to ensure our nation is secure.

In the digital age, technology can bridge the gap and allow family members to connect even when it's across continents.

But no screen can replace the warmth of an embrace especially during the holidays.

This next selection serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our military members and also by the families waiting for their safe return home.

Here's Roots in Blue with Staff Sergeant MeLan Smartt, who decided that with her husband deployed this year, she's skipping Christmas.

There's a change in the weather I think I'll dig out my sweaters and gloves.

I hope they'll keep me warm without the arms of the man that I love.

Santa man, won't you hurry on the double if you can,'Cause if my baby ain't here, I'm skipping Christmas this year.

There'll be no tinsel.

No garland.

No presents for the tree.

He's all I ever needed, so please hear my plea.

I can promise my days won't be merry and bright, if I can't hold my baby on Christmas night.

I hope I don't come off rude, I'm not really in a holiday mood.

'Cause if my baby ain't here, I'm skipping Christmas this year.

There'll be no carols for singing, I won't deck my halls.

No silver bells ringing, no turtle dove calls.

I can promise my days won't be merry and bright If you don't get this handled, Christmas is cancelled.

Santa man, won't you hurry on the double if you can?

'Cause if my baby ain't here, throw out my wish list.

Cage up your reindeer, I really mean it.

I'm sincerely sincere.

I'm skipping Christmas this year.

Season greetings, I'm General Mike Minihan,the Commander of Air Mobility Command.

I'm excited to bring you this holiday special featuring just a few of the talented Airmen who serve our nation with commitment and distinction every day.

I would also like to take a moment to recognize those military members who will be away from their loved ones this holiday season.

We are all grateful for the sacrifice you are making in serving peace and stability at home and around the globe.

Over this past year, Mobility Airmen have answered the call whenever and wherever they're needed.

Whether they're providing life- saving medical supplies, conducting humanitarian relief operations, or supplying essential military equipment, America's Mobility Airmen always delivered.

For 75 years, Air Force bands have brought a taste of home to our service members overseas and treated us all to the sounds of the holiday season.

Music has the power to bring us together and we're delighted to celebrate the spirit of the season with you.

We wish you all happy holidays and a happy New Year.

Scott Air Force Base is home to Air Mobility Command and their job is to transport personnel and equipment anywhere in the world within 24 hours.

So, if Santa ever needed help getting toys and presents around the world, he could count on the men and women of Air Mobility Command to assist.

In fact, just one of their C5 Galaxy Aircraft could transport 250 dollhouses, 300 trampolines, 400 bicycles, 37 bounce houses, a hippopotamus, and still have room left for Santa and Mrs. Claus, a full sleigh, and all of Santa's reindeer.

Christmas is a special time for children and part of their excitement comes from getting to watch their favorite holiday TV programs.

Whether it's Rudolph, the Grinch, or even the Air Force Band of Mid America, the stories and music have become an annual tradition for many families.

Our next two selections will hopefully remind you of everyone's favorite cartoon beagle as he and the rest of the Peanuts Gang learn a lesson about the spirit of Christmas.

Thank you for joining us to celebrate the holiday season.

We hope you and your loved ones have been filled with joy and good cheer.

We'd like to leave you with a performance by the Starlifter rock band which recently spent several months deployed to the Middle East.

From the men and women of Scott Air Force Base and all of Air Mobility Command, We wish you a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year.

I bet right now the snow is flying I'll bet by now the sky is dark But where I am the wind is blowing and it keeps us worlds apart I miss Christmas on the mountain Especially out here in the sand You'll have to put the star on for me This year I hope you understand I won't be home for Christmas Cause you can count on me From Belleauwood to the desert sands Wherever people aren't free I won't be home for Christmas Cause you can count on me Did you put the lights out on the house?

Have you set that manger scene?

When you send out all those Christmas cards Would you sign my name for me?

And don't forget to tell the story To the kids on Christmas Eve And do your best to keep them happy Make no sadness over me Because I won't be home for Christmas Cause you can count on me From Belleauwood to the desert sands Wherever people aren't free I won't be home for Christmas Cause you can count on me I won't be home for Christmas The whole world counts on me.