SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- To all Air Mobility Command Airmen,

First, let me say how proud I am of you for all your contributions to our nation and this command. Every member of the AMC family is vitally important to our team and to the success of our mission. Unfortunately, we have recently lost many of our teammates due to an alarming rise in suicides and motor vehicle accidents. For this reason, I have directed our wings to pause all operations May 10 so each of you may participate in a Command Wingman Stand Down.

Through dynamic group discussions, enhanced by an interactive video, we will re-emphasize the importance of awareness, accountability, communication and team building. This will not be a day of lectures, but rather an opportunity for you to discover new ways to reverse this deadly trend.

Please know each of you possess an essential piece of the solution - a solution that is not dependent on rank or position. That said, it is our hope that by giving you this time you may discover new ways to look after each other, and perhaps, even save a life.

So please join me May 10, and let's renew our commitment to being good wingmen.

General Raymond E. Johns, Jr.
AMC commander