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(U) Enjoy the Holidays
FROM: MG Richard P. Zahner, USA
SIGINT Director
Run Date: 12/21/2006
(U) As the end of the year 2006 approaches, I thank all SIGINTers here at Fort Meade and
around the world for your invaluable contributions to our national security, and extend my best
wishes for the upcoming holiday season.
(U) It has been a challenging year, with the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, the larger
Global War on Terrorism, and a host of other issues all demanding top-notch SIGINT support.
We have all seen firsthand the critical importance of SIGINT to our customers, both military and
policy-makers, in defending our homeland and pursuing our national objectives. We are also well
aware of the many hurdles that must be overcome in order to produce timely and accurate
SIGINT. I am pleased to say that SIGINTers across the board have risen to the challenge and
made a real difference for our nation.
(U) These achievements have been accomplished against a backdrop of an increasingly complex
international framework, a rapidly transforming communications environment of converging
networks and our own critical efforts to transform our SIGINT System and its personnel. You
have taken each of these challenges in stride and have made key contributions to our nation, a
nation that remains at war five years after the events of 9/11.
(U) The next year will prove equally challenging, if not more so. You know as well as I that each
success brings demands for better and more comprehensive support. Transformation for all
elements of the SIGINT System will have to accelerate if we are to both take advantage of the
opportunities afforded us, and to preclude being left behind by the rapid transformation of
societies and technologies. Rather than take counsel of our fears, we should look to the rich
talents that each of you brings to the team, and your selfless service. With these manifest
riches, I have a strong sense that together we can take on and excel at each challenge we are
presented, and in that process create a better future for those who will follow us.
(U) As we enjoy the start of our holiday season, please reflect upon the contributions you have
made to our security, and take pride in what you have accomplished. Enjoy with your families
and loved ones the bounty we have been afforded, and remember those who remain in harm's
way for our safety. It is an honor to serve with you, my best to all, and I look forward to taking
that next challenge with you in 2007.
"(U//FOUO) SIDtoday articles may not be republished or reposted outside NSANet
without the consent of S0121 (DL sid_comms)."
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DERIVED FROM: NSA/CSSM 1-52, DATED 08 JAN 2007 DECLASSIFY ON: 20320108