CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Congratulations are definitely in order for those outstanding members of Team Charleston who graduated last week from the Robins AFB, Ga., NCO Academy. Having stepped across a stage similar to the one you walked across to receive your graduation certificate, I understand the emotions that you undoubtedly felt. I can confidently say elation and relief were two of them. It was a difficult course of study and that was by design. However, I am convinced you are better prepared to do even greater things in our Air Force. Now it is up to you to make it happen.
Let me offer a very special word of congratulations to two members of the class who were singled out by the academy staff for excelling in all aspects of the course. Tech. Sgt. Lisa Spicer, 437th Communications Squadron, was selected as both the Academic Award winner and a Distinguished Graduate while Tech. Sgt. Matthew Habrat, 437th Civil Engineer Squadron, was also honored as a Distinguished Graduate. Great job!
Wow! How else can I describe the performance by the members of Tops in Blue? For those who were not able to attend last week you definitely missed a fantastic show. The energy level was high and the cast did not disappoint us. As always, our "can-do" services crew did a tremendous job putting everything together and taking care of the cast.
Also, Kathy Knichel, our protocol expert was there doing what she does best, and that is ensuring all of our special guests were treated like VIPs. Thank you to everyone who assisted with making that such as awesome event.
Recently, many of you may have seen Colonel Joerger and me at the Dorchester Gate greeting everyone as they entered the installation. While doing so I personally witnessed an act of kindness that I would like to share with you. Tech. Sgt. Catherine Richardson, 437th Aerial Port Squadron, approached the gate with a huge smile on her faced, greeted me and handed me a bottle of water which she quickly informed me was for Senior Airman Chrystal Pascalli the entry controller and not me. As I passed the water to her Airman Pascalli informed me that this was not a random act of kindness. In fact, she said Sergeant Richardson frequently shows her appreciation to our entry controllers by doing something like that. She also shared how wonderful it felt that someone cared enough to do something like that. How awesome is that? While I am not advocating that we all bring things and drop them at the gates, imagine what a simple "good morning" or "thank you" would do to brighten the day of a security forces member.
Finally, help me in welcoming Chief Master Sgt. Joe Barron, command chief master sergeant of Air Mobility Command and all the command chief's and stand-along group superintendents from the command. They will be in town next week as we host the 2007 Command Chief and Group Superintendents conference. It will be a great conference and they will get to witness firsthand why I brag so much about you. If you cross paths with any of them please stop and give them a warm Lowcountry welcome.
Team Charleston - One family, one mission, one fight!