CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Part of our training culture is a healthy lifestyle and every day we have to balance our personal requirements.
We also have to fight against the things that make us unhealthy (my fight is against a big box of Cheez-its). It's easy to get wrapped up in the pressing issues of the day, but it's crucial to make sure you take the time to stay physically fit.
An important part of remaining fit to fight is a physical, which I completed this week.
Senior Airman Monise Butler conducted a thorough hearing test in the Flight Medicine Clinic. In the Dental Clinic Peter Smith performed X-rays and Senior Airman Meshiek Harris provided the dreaded fluoride treatment. With perfect ease my blood was drawn by Airman 1st Class Jessica Campbell. I then met Staff Sgt. Alexis Alexander in Optometry before my EKG with Staff Sgt. Jillian Marino. Capt. Brendan Fitzpatrick concluded my physical by answering health concerns and ensuring I was physically prepared for my duties.
This week I also had the opportunity to experience how one unit prepares for their mission. Along with Chief Ivey and the Chief's "shadow for a day," Staff Sgt. Morel Lemon, I joined the Explosives Ordnance Disposal flight in their training ruck march. The four-mile march was merely preparation for the twice-a-, thirteen-mile marches EOD will be accomplishing soon.
Their dedication illustrates the flight's ability to adapt their training to the changing current operations in the area of responsibility. By preparing this way at home, they will be ready to meet the heavy demands of combat and succeed.
Like EOD's training for their CONOPS, Charleston AFB must be ready to adapt as we prepare to become a joint base.
Wing Plans took the lead as we make ready to join forces with Naval Weapons Station Charleston. Lt. Col. John Donahue, Frank Metzger and Capt. Tony Mione organized a joint planning session with Charleston AFB leadership along with Navy Capt. Glen Little, Naval Weapons Station Charleston commanding officer, and his staff. We discussed how the two bases would perform as one during future exercises and real-world problems.
I also met Tech. Sgt. Daniel Prosymchak, who recently returned from a 365-day deployment to Baghdad where he instructed the Iraqi Police Transition team.
Not only do our military members stay prepared for the fight, but our civilians do as well. I'd like to thank Debbie Etheredge for her dedicated 37 years of civil service. During the last 24 years, she has worked for 14 different commanders in the 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron. A sincere thanks is also due to Jim Clark in Wing Training for his careful attention to the 437th Operations Group building and his keen ability to look forward to how the building can be better utilized in the future.
Each of you is accomplishing great things, be safe and thank you for your service.