JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Have you ever heard anyone answer the question, 'how's it goin'?' with, 'just livin' the dream'? Sometimes this response comes with an extra dose of sarcasm with the intent to convey that the person being asked is not really 'livin' the dream', but quite the contrary. Well if someone were to ask me, I could unequivocally state that I really am 'livin' the dream' - minus the sarcasm. Only when you're living your dream could you wake up one day and be assigned to Charleston for the third time! It just doesn't happen that often, to be assigned as commander of the 437th Airlift Wing, well it just doesn't get any better than that. Needless to say, my family and I are thrilled to be a part of this great team once more and we are grateful for the reception we've received since arriving.
Speaking of grateful, I completed a new Wing Commander Orientation at Air Mobility Command headquarters at Scott Air Force Base a few weeks ago. During the orientation, I had the chance to meet with many AMC leaders from all of the functional areas and staff agencies. While there, I was struck by one thing which they all had in common. It was unmistakable to me that Team Charleston is held in high regard by everyone at the headquarters and they appreciate the work you do here. Sometimes that message doesn't filter down, but it was apparent in every discussion I had that the AMC staff is grateful for everything this team does for our nation.
Don't get me wrong, the fact that you have been doing great things was no surprise to me, because my two previous assignments here showed me Charleston is a great place and the people who work here routinely make great accomplishments look easy. So how do you do it? Well, it all starts with superb community support, and I know of no community that supports its base better than those here in the Lowcountry. I look forward to working with the community to make Team Charleston even better. In addition to a supportive community, it also takes a great team effort. I look forward to continuing this impressive tradition of mission-focused teamwork here with the local community, the 628th Air Base Wing, the 315th Airlift Wing, and our joint partners. It also takes talented leaders, and I would like to thank Col. John Wood and his wife, Lina, for their tireless efforts in making the 437th Airlift Wing, the premier Airlift Wing in the Air Force and a great place to work. But even with a supportive community, great teamwork, and great leadership, one could never accomplish what this team has accomplished without its exceptional people. Whether military, civilian or retired, the people here are the key components of this success. Team Charleston just seems to have individuals who are hardworking, dedicated, knowledgeable and exemplify Air Force Core values. Without them, Charleston would be just another stop in a career.
So, as my family and I embark on our third tour here in Charleston, I would like to start by thanking all of you for the great things you do and for your continued efforts on behalf of this great nation. I look forward to getting to know all of the excellent folks here, and to working with you as we to take the 437th Airlift Wing to even greater heights!