JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Last week I went to the Mobility Air Forces Development Team at Randolph Air Force Base and scored more than 500 officer records. It was clear from the very first record that educational achievement was important. Accomplishing training and degrees showed initiative and the skills to balance precious time. Education is the essential framework to each Airman's success in the Air Force. From tuition assistance for colleges and universities to technical training and developmental education programs, each of you have the opportunity to enhance your education.
Educational opportunities and financial help exists in the Air Force to include the Community College of the Air Force, money for school programs to include the Montgomery GI Bill and Tuition Assistance, enlisted commissioned programs and technical training--take advantage of these programs! I also would like to convey the importance of Airman developmental training. Training such as the Non-commissioned Officer Academy or Squadron Officer School develops professional qualities and shapes Airmen into today's leaders.
Chief Greene and I would like to highlight excellence in the pursuit of education and career opportunities at Charleston. The Career Development Program is important to an Airman's professional development and education in each career field. Several Airmen have recently scored above a 95 percent on their individual tests: Senior Airman Joshua Reynolds, 628th Civil Engineer Squadron (97); Airman 1st Class Matthew Bowers, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (97); Airman 1st Class Robert Hill, 437 AMXS (96); and Airman 1st Class Joshua Pratt, 628th Security Forces Squadron (96). Also, the 437th Airlift Wing had three officers selected for Phoenix Horizon career broadening programs. Congratulations to Phoenix Mobility selectees: Capt. Dan McVay, 17th Airlift Squadron and Capt. Tim Huxel (alternate), 16 th Airlift Squadron, as well as Phoenix Reach selectee Capt. Ivan Blackwell, 437th Operations Group.
This week also saw Col. Tammy Livingood and her husband John relinquish command of the 437th Maintenance Group. Colonel Livingood has led her group and the 437th to great successes while her personal leadership and commitment were unsurpassed in everything she did; I will greatly miss her advice and enthusiasm! At the same time, I am excited to welcome Col. Tony Clavenna and his wife Mary Beth--they are a great leadership team and will continue the 437 MXG's legacy of excellence and safe mission generation.
Last of all, very saddening news came our way Monday night--the death of one of our own Team Charleston members, Staff Sgt. Joseph Villasenor of the 437 AMXS. My deepest sympathies as well as our thoughts and prayers go out to Sergeant Villasenor's family and friends.