CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Have you ever heard the old saying, "The only thing constant in life is change?"
I would argue that change in the Air Force is not a constant; change seems to happening more so now than at any other time during my career. Changes in leadership at all levels and changes in the way we wear our uniforms affect each of us in some way, and while I may not fully understand the need for some of the changes we face, I fully support the decisions made by our leaders. Hopefully you do as well.
When new leaders join our team, I anticipate how their perspective and experiences will make us better. Even though I'll miss Col. Don Shaffer, I'm excited to welcome Col. Brian Robinson, the new 437th Airlift Wing vice commander, and I look forward to his leadership and contributions to Team Charleston.
I'll also miss Chief Master Sgt. Steve Woodside and Tech. Sgt. John May, as both have retired after years spent developing our Airmen into more effective leaders. I know the Airmen who follow in their footsteps, Airmen like Senior Master Sgt. Damian Fox who was recently selected for promotion to chief master sergeant, are ready to keep us moving forward.
One of the things I enjoy most about my job is meeting newly-arrived Airmen during the First-term Airman Center course. I truly enjoy answering their questions and sharing my thoughts with the future of our Air Force.
As our service isn't getting any larger in the near future, welcoming new Airmen means many of the faces I'm used to seeing are leaving Team Charleston. As I see new Airmen in different locations across the base, Airmen like Airman 1st Class Jessica Ormston who helps keep us secure and safe, I welcome the change because we all benefit from fresh expertise and new perspectives.
We recently received new guidance on the standards we must adhere to when wearing either the Physical Training Uniform or the Improved Physical Training Uniform. I've asked the first sergeants to help make everyone aware of the changes, and overall, we're doing a great job meeting the new standards. When wearing the PTU or IPTU, we need to remember to tuck in our shirts and render the proper respect to our nation's flag during reveille and retreat; both of these actions are now required. If you're unsure of any uniform guidance, please ask your supervisor or first sergeant for clarification.
I also hope some things never change. I hope we never forget to honor our veterans like our nation does on Veterans Day. I hope we always have Airmen like Master Sgt. Kevin Kloeppel who volunteered to share his experiences with almost 1,000 students at Greg Middle School on Veterans Day. I hope we always have Airmen who are willing to help out wherever the Air Force needs them, Airmen like Master Sgt. Lisa Peele and Master Sgt. Kristina Mullins, our newest first sergeants.
Even though we have to say goodbye to people we really like working with as they move on, I hope we continue to welcome great new leaders to our Team. And I hope we always have bright young Airmen willing to answer the call and support our great nation.