JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
We are busy, without question. From the Afghanistan surge, to the Charleston stage and our local joint basing, we are all working hard to make a difference. I don't have to remind you that you need to stay focused and pay attention to detail. You are all doing an extraordinary job and I thank you for the effort you put forth each day.
Chief Greene and I recently observed numerous examples of excellence among Joint Team Charleston members. We attended the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy Graduation where nine Airmen graduated, including the 15th Airlift Squadron's Master Sgt. Jeff Wilson, who earned Distinguished Graduate honors.
We also attended the 437th Maintenance Group Status of Training briefing, where Airmen 1st Class Kristin Davis, Robert Pilon, Allen Frakenberger and Paul Pearson received recognition for achieving 90 percent or better on their end of course tests.
Finally, Lt. Col. Jack McNall's leadership is evident as the Palmetto Stage continues to provide excellent support to the crews as we support the Afghanistan surge. The amount of discipline required to achieve this level of excellence is phenomenal. This is outstanding work - keep it up.
Attention to detail isn't just happening at home station. Earlier this month we welcomed home the 14th Airlift Squadron after their 120-day deployment. They flew more than 3,000 sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and missions in the Horn of Africa.
Another important level of detail is our focus on Airmen. Exactly one week after the homecoming of the Pelicans was the Air Mobility Command Stand Down Day. The significance of this day was obvious given that Gen. Raymond Johns Jr., AMC commander, found it important enough for the entire command to pause all operations for an afternoon so we could stand down and focus on the importance of accountability, awareness, communication and team building.
Key leaders ensured our wing got the most out of this day. Lt. Col. David Stroud, Maj. Matt Tinker, Capt. Ed Szczepanik, and Chief Master Sgt. Robert Scarlett took their roles seriously and ensured a standardized message was conveyed throughout the wing as passed down from AMC. These individuals gave the necessary tools to each specific facilitator and then it was in the hands of people like Tech. Sgt. Christopher Russell and 2nd Lt. Evan Crouse, who led the smaller discussion groups successfully.
We have a lot to do, and often we have one chance to get it right. Each of you makes a far greater impact than you can imagine. Take for example Airman 1st Class Calli Marshall - on a dark ramp, all alone, she taxied a C-17 out of parking, directed its first turn and saluted as it departed. Chief Greene and I smiled at another great moment for an Airman who isn't even 21 years old.