JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
It seems like some things here in Charleston never change. The summers are still hot, Airmen are working hard to accomplish the mission, friends leave and new Airmen and their families arrive. Lt. Col. Susan Ferrera, the director of staff for the 628th Air Base Wing, and Lt. Col. Barb Shestko, the Judge Advocate for 628th Air Base Wing, have moved on, but we welcome their replacements, Lt. Col. Mike Smith and Lt. Col. Robert Burton. Also, we welcome Chief Master Sgt. Stephanie Burroughs, the 628th Medical Group Superintendent, Senior Master Sgt. Paul Cornell, the first sergeant for the 437th Maintenance Squadron, and we'll soon tell Col. Tammy Livingood farewell as she retires from active duty. I wish each of these leaders the best of luck.
Recently, some of the chiefs had a chance to enjoy lunch with members of the Team Charleston Honor Guard, and we all agree that these young men and women are doing a great job representing Team Charleston and the United States Air Force wherever they serve. They provide respect to our departed veterans, they showcase our service in the community and they add even more professionalism to our formal ceremonies. Staff Sgt. Chanice Reid and Senior Airman Derrick Gonzales are doing a fantastic job of leading the team, and I look forward to seeing the newest members in action.
Also, please congratulate Senior Airman Arthur Eschenburg from the 437th Maintenance Squadron on his selection to become a member of the United States Honor Guard team. His hard work certainly paid off.
Speaking of hard work, it takes a dedicated, year-round effort to maintain the proper fitness level needed to pass our new physical fitness test. We now have to meet minimum standards in all four areas of the test to pass, and quite honestly, our failure rates are disappointing and unacceptable. While our fellow Airmen, commanders, first sergeants and others within our units can help us, each individual has to make the personal choice to get fit. It may not always be a lot of fun, but exercising regularly and eating healthy is the key.
Some of our Airmen are taking fitness to the next level. Master Sgt. Chris Greek, the 628th Medical Group first sergeant, is leading a team of medics preparing for the Air Force marathon. I know several more members of Team Charleston will also participate this year, and I look forward to seeing them on the course.
It's great to get out and enjoy all Charleston has to offer, and thanks to our Airmen Against Drunk Driving program, we can get home safely. I welcome and thank our newest AADD executive council members for their leadership and for providing such a valuable service for Team Charleston: President, Staff Sgt. Amy Lotspeich; Vice President, Staff Sgt. Stephen Kohn; Secretary, Staff Sgt. Shawna Badillo; and Treasurer, Staff Sgt. Michael Elsik. Please help make theirs and all of the volunteers' jobs easier by having a plan to get home before you drink. Enjoy your time here at Charleston, but please enjoy it responsibly.