CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Good Morning Team Charleston! What better way to start then by congratulating the four outstanding Airmen who were recognized earlier this week by their first sergeants during the wing's diamond sharp ceremony. Senior Airman Matthew Lumm, 437th Aerial Port Squadron; Airman 1st Class Christopher Walker, 437th Maintenance Squadron; Airman Brett Devor, 437th Communications Squadron; and Airman Meltem Vosika, 437th Operations Support Squadron, were singled out as being the best of the best for the month of March. What a phenomenal group of professionals, all with amazing stories. Please congratulate them and when you do, ask them to share some of the things those who attended the ceremony were made privy to.
Let me offer a special thank you to the organizations that sponsor gifts for our diamond sharp recipients. AAFES, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union, Bank of America and the 437th Services Squadron are always there and because of them, these and all the recognition ceremonies we conduct are made even more special. We are blessed to receive such tremendous support from so many -- not because they have to, but because they want to.
Recently I had the privilege of being the guest speaker at a dining out held by Air Force ROTC Detachment 765 at The Citadel. I can not tell you how wonderful it was for me to have the opportunity to interact with some of our Air Force's future officers. As we mingled prior to dinner, you could sense the excitement in those who will be graduating this spring and heading to their first training experience or duty assignment. They are eager for the chance to get out and make a difference -- something all of us here do each and every day.
Seeing their exuberance made my task easy as I shared a few things with them that have served me well through my years of service. One of the things I felt compelled to share with them was simple. Regardless of how long and in what capacity they serve, they must maintain that excitement, that passion for what we do. So you ask, "Chief, what does that have to do with us?" Well, I am glad you asked.
Earlier this week I happened upon an office that I am sure few of you have seen. In fact, this was the first time I have visited the office during my tenure here. The office houses our base's records management section more commonly known as the "staging area." While there, the NCO in charge, Staff Sgt. Martha Ridgway, 437th Communications Squadron, explained to me what she has been doing for the last few months. She has brought new life to a process that, while extremely vital and important, many would not want to tackle. As we spoke, I could see the passion she has for her job and it was a wonderful thing to behold. She truly is making a difference and for that I say thank you. So now my question to you is this, do you have that passion?
Team Charleston - One family, one mission, one fight!