CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
All of us do it, and so do you. You show off your special projects with great results, whether it is a college exam, woodworking or a recently polished car.
You do that because you are proud of your work and the result. Well, it is no different here at Charleston AFB. It seems like every week we are showing off our mission to another inspection team. Why is that? It's because you take the time to draft a package describing your achievements, the package is graded, and the inspection team comes to see it in person. Charleston AFB always wins lots of awards, but it doesn't come easy - those awards take effort.
This week, the logistics readiness squadron underwent an inspection; Chief Ivey and I stopped in last Friday to see how the preparation was going. What we saw was the cleanest industrial work environment imaginable, and three NCOs making it happen. Tech. Sgt. Dirk Braun, Staff Sgt. Mark Dulmaine and Staff Sgt. Darnelle Minnick were exceptional, and you could tell right away they enjoyed the work and success they have doing it.
My favorite moment of the week was at the maintenance squadron holiday party. There were lots of kids running around, face painting and a turnout of hungry maintainers. In that environment, I had a chance to talk to Master Sgt. Jeramie Banks' mother. She listened to me for a few minutes, and then with a big smile put her hand on her son and told him how proud she was of him. There is no inspection that can beat that feeling.
As we start the holiday season, and celebrate with squadron parties, take a minute to thank all of those making a personal effort to make our holiday celebrations fun and memorable. As an example, my wife and I attended the medical group party and had a great time. I watched from the side as Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Cutlip worked miracles and reacted quickly when the planned dinner cruise changed boats. I enjoyed watching the scramble the venue change caused, but once the boat was moving you realized the venue didn't matter, it was all about the company everyone shared.
This week, I also attended the change of command ceremony for the 315th Maintenance Group Commander, Col. Jim Joyce. He held the position of commander for eight years. Under his leadership, the 315 MXG, partnered with the 437th Maintenance Group, and was recognized as the best in the Air Force. This week they found out they are again best in Air Mobility Command, about to compete for another Air Force Trophy. In his closing remarks, he reminded us that success is a result of people who care. I couldn't agree more!
Looking forward, we know we will be busy. An increase in forces in Afghanistan certainly results in an increase in effort from Charleston AFB. Nobody accomplishes the mission better than Team Charleston, but we must maintain our focus. Thank you for all of your individual efforts - you make a difference. As always, look out for your wingman and keep safety in your crosscheck.