Secretary of Defense Makes Christmas Calls to Service Members
Dec. 25, 2016

ord, Virginia. Keene is serving in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility as a material and accounting specialist. In this role, he manages the equipment and supplies for his unit.

— Marine Corps Corporal Nolan Giroux, 24, of Wilmington, Massachusetts. Giroux is serving in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility where he serves as a facilities chief. He is responsible for ensuring the proper functioning and maintenance of assigned facilities.

— Navy Petty Officer Third Class Ferdinand Deguzman, 30, of San Lorenzo, California. Deguzman is serving aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, which has been supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. As an aviation structural mechanic, he is responsible for maintaining the safety equipment of aircraft.

— Air Force Captain Daniel Peterson, 28, of Sachse, Texas. Peterson is serving in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility as a squadron operations officer. In this role he directs operations for more than 100 operations staff and flight personnel.

— Air Force Staff Sergeant Eric McNair, 28, of Jacksonville, Arkansas. McNair is serving as the noncommissioned officer in charge of a team responsible for personnel recovery planning in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Additionally, Secretary Carter and his wife, Stephanie, spoke with Navy spouse, Kelly Sleesman, and Air Force spouse, Ashley McNair. He thanked them and noted that being a member of a military family requires tremendous dedication to the nation.

Secretary Carter said he was very grateful for the time these individuals provided him and asked that they pass on his best wishes to their colleagues and families.