Commentaries

JB Charleston helps vintage B-25 back on its ‘feet’
March 22, 2019 — In early January, Robert Simmons, deputy director at Patriots Point Museum Services Department, contacted me to ask if I knew of any individuals or companies that could replace the tires on their B-25. My response was, “wow, I am not sure I know anyone qualified on B-25s.” I told him I would make a few phone calls and get back with him later that day. My first stop was the 437th Maintenance Squadron’s Aero Repair/Wheel and Tire Shop. I thought, well, they change tires on C-17s, so maybe they could help. I made contact with John Speaks and Master Sgt. Ron Williams, who both thought this was something they could do—and more importantly, wanted to do. I then contacted Col. Mark Harris, 437th Maintenance Group commander, and Norm Moore, the 437th MXG deputy commander, to see if this was something the Air Force would allow us to do. After verifying some details, they agreed that yes, members assigned to 437 MXG could support Patriots Point, but they had to do it on a volunteer basis, much the same as other members did a couple years ago when they repaired damage to the F-4 on display at the Citadel. ... MORE

Left to right, Tech. Sgt. Richard Atchison, Master Sgt. Ron Williams and Tech. Sgt. Charles Long, all of the 437th Maintenance Group from Joint Base Charleston, S.C., pose in front of a B-25 bomber at Patriots Point Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, S.C.

Opportunity, meaning, extraordinary people
July 27, 2018 — My family and I are thrilled to be back in the Lowcountry as part of the 437th Airlift Wing. As a way of introducing myself to those reading this, I think it is helpful to reflect on what first attracted me to the Air Force and explain why I have stayed on active duty for more than 20 years. I hope my reasoning will resonate with a majority. ... MORE

Col. Clint ZumBrunnen, 437th Airlift Wing commander

628 CS sheds ‘customer service’
June 15, 2018 — Customer service is dead at the 628th Communications Squadron as the CS of today is not the same as its ancestors. Specifically, today’s CS has different manpower, missions, and capabilities…and is close to having new name soon too. ... Your mission is our focus—this has not changed. What has changed is that today’s CS experts have become your biggest cyberspace advocates while continuing some traditional communications support roles. We have done more with less... MORE

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua Aultman, 628th Communications Squadron commander

Get ready, stay ready — more than a mantra
June 14, 2018 — We’ve all heard it a million times over. “Get ready, stay ready.” The beauty of it all is that our military exists in a global climate where it’s incumbent upon us to always be in a constant state of the latter. The Airmen to the right and left of us need it, but more importantly, our nation depends on it. Here at the 315th Airlift Wing, we’re tasked with providing and delivering combat-ready C-17 airlift, expeditionary combat support, and aeromedical evacuation anytime, anywhere. It’s what makes us the Air Force Reserve Command’s wing of choice. But we can’t be in the position to bring global air power and global dominance by just going through the motions... MORE

Col. Gregory Gilmour 315th Airlift Wing Commander