CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, we have a lot going on and you make a big difference in the outcome!
Fifty-seven C-17s flying globally, each representing your efforts executing our mission. A secure base filled with construction projects. A healthy fitness focus and commitment to success at all levels. You have much to be proud of.
Your efforts extend well beyond our C-17s; more than 600 Airmen and Civilians are deployed today from Charleston AFB. Those 600 were able to deploy because of those of us who helped get them trained, ready and focused.
They left with trust in us that we would care for their families and ensure their programs succeeded while they were gone. The 315th and 437th Airlift Wings does this together as a team and you should be proud of your role.
This week Chief Ivey and I seemed to move nonstop. Many of you heard what was on our minds during the Wing Commander's Calls, and I'd like to echo again that I am very proud of your achievements. We also met with the Top 3 organization, led by Master Sgt. Michelle McMeekin.
A highlight of the week was when Staff Sgt. Tiffany Hutchins who works on air expeditionary force accountability, sat proudly during a video teleconference when the vice commander of Air Mobility Commander remarked that Charleston was the only base with 100 percent AEF accountability!
Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Arredondo set the pace for our public affairs program for the week, and she has everything planned perfectly.
I presented my coin to Capt. Nathan Ross at Wing Standup for his exceptional professionalism and support to the 65th Air Base Wing with a no-notice transport of a fallen Airman from Lajes Field, Azores to Dover AFB, Del.
I also said farewell to Capt. Michelle Lobianco. She has performed masterfully as our deputy chief of Command Post.
I stopped in at the Save a Life tour and saw Chief Master Sgt. Steven Woodside excited about the training offered to our young Airmen and in one of the best briefings I have ever received, Maj. Jason Kirkland briefed me on potential changes to one of our flying missions and came ready with courses of action.
As always, I ask each of you to look out for each other. We are busy, and at times we find ourselves in stressful situations at work and at home. We all need to be good Wingmen.
To quote our vice chief of staff of the Air Force, Gen. Carrol Chandler, "Ask about suicide, Care enough to listen, and Escort those at risk to a helping agency,"-The ACE Model.
I thank each of you for your service to our country!