CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
This week Team Charleston turned out to honor one of our own who made a huge sacrifice in the service to our Air Force and our nation. Thursday, Tech. Sgt. Mike Williams received the Bronze Star with Valor for his actions during his recent deployment to Afghanistan.
Sergeant Williams is an Explosive Ordinance Disposal technician with the 437th Civil Engineer Squadron. In August, he was on patrol ensuring the security of his element when a buried anti-personnel landmine detonated beneath his foot. The patrol came under immediate enemy fire from small arms and rocket propelled grenades. Despite suffering life-threatening injuries from the blast, Sergeant Williams never lost consciousness and continued to man his weapon and provide security as the team moved to the helicopter landing zone for medical evacuation.
Mike serves as an example to all of us - a phenomenal Airman who took the oath to his country to heart and performed admirably throughout the entire ordeal. None of us can predict how we would react in this situation, but we can all hope to remain as strong as Sergeant Williams. We wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to having you home for good Mike.
This past week Team Charleston had yet another opportunity to shine as the Air Mobility Command Commander in Chief Installation Excellence team visited our base. In September, Charleston was selected as one of the command's finalist for the prestigious award along with Dover AFB, Del., and Little Rock AFB, Ark. The CINC IE team spent a full day at each base visiting every functional area to choose which one would represent AMC at the Air Force level. Our team put on quite a show. While ultimately we were not selected, I could not be more impressed with the attention to detail, outstanding professionalism and dedication of all of our Airmen and civilians. It is just one more example of the tremendous group of professionals we have and what makes Charleston a special place. Thank you.
"There but for the grace of God go I" - an old proverb attributed to John Bradford (1510-1555) as he witnessed prisoners being marshaled off to their execution. It speaks to understanding how easily someone else's misfortune could be your own. We are now moving into the final weeks of the annual Combined Federal Campaign and as a result of your generosity we have topped $90,000 in donations this year. As the campaign enters this final phase I encourage everyone to seek out the key workers in your unit and make a contribution to the charity of your choice if you can. Your contributions support a wide range of needs. Hundreds global, national and local charities benefit from the CFC, and the best part is you get to choose where your money goes. It is ultimately your decision whether to give to the CFC, but it is an opportunity to make a real difference is someone's life.