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NEWS | Nov. 5, 2009

437 AW vice commander bids CAFB farewell

By Col. Don Shaffer 437th Airlift Wing vice commander

Team Charleston, it seems like just yesterday that I got word I would be coming back to Charleston AFB as the vice commander of the 437th Airlift Wing. Having been here before, I knew this would be a busy, exciting and rewarding tour. It has been every bit of that - and then some. After nearly a year and a half in the seat, I look back at everything the wing has been through and all you've accomplished and it leaves me speechless.
 
From the very first day you've been challenged, evaluated, tested, poked, prodded and had your programs scrubbed with a fine tooth comb - and come through with flying colors each and every time. ORI, UCI, ATSEP, EOHCAMP, HSI, ASEV ... the list goes on. You took on every inspection with the same positive "bring it on" attitude and knocked them all down like tackling dummies. Grades of "Excellent" and "Outstanding" became the standard and the terms, "Best Practice," "Best Seen," "Best in AMC," and "Best in the Air Force" have become almost commonplace. Throughout the year you added a myriad of MAJCOM and AF-level awards and trophies for unit, team and individual accomplishments far too numerous to list here. But none of it was handed to you - you earned it! 

You welcomed more DVs than any other base in the command outside of Andrews - including the President, Vice President, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, USTRANSCOM, USNORTHCOM and AMC Commanders and a litany of senior military and civilian leaders as well as foreign dignitaries. 

And you did it all while deploying over 70 percent of the wing! 

Yes, Charleston AFB is a special place. But what makes Charleston AFB a special place isn't the inspection results or the trophies or the number of distinguished visitors. What makes Charleston AFB a special place is the outstanding Total Force team of active duty, Reserve and civilian "Airmen" who execute our nation's highest priority missions day in and day out with the pride, professionalism and passion to ensure it's done right every time - all the time. AMC's most senior leadership looks to Charleston AFB as the go-to wing because they know this team will get the job done the right way the first time.
 
Those accolades are recognition of your professionalism, dedication to duty and commitment to excellence which has become the hallmark of Team Charleston. The reputation you have created is founded on superb group and squadron leadership, forged in the work centers, back shops and flights of the squadrons, and carried on the shoulders of the phenomenal Airmen and civilians of Team Charleston. I will always be proud to say I was a part of that fantastic team. 

As we head out the door, Debbie and I want to wish each and every one of you a fond farewell. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with you. Good luck, Godspeed and thanks for the ride!