Watch Secretary Mattis Deliver Final Christmas Message to the Troops

Here is the :20 second message outgoing Secretary of Defense and Richland, WA native General James Mattis had to say to the troops this holiday season:

Mattis had pledged to stay on with the current administration until the end of February to ease the transition, but like so many before him, Mattis found out he was out through a tweet from the President.

By taking to Twitter to announce Mattis' successor would begin his watch beginning the first of January, that effectively immediately ended the tenure of the soon-to-be former Defense Secretary.

His message above is a great one for all of us to remember as those who have chosen to serve are once again away from loved ones during the holidays.

A big thank you to all who have served, and to those who are currently serving.