CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
On any given day at Charleston AFB people are experiencing personal milestones; this week I had the opportunity to be involved with two commendable ones.
I proudly presented Melba Coward from Wing Plans with a coin and certificate of appreciation from the Commander of Air Mobility Command, Gen. Lichte, to culminate her career in 40 years of federal service.
Then later the same day I presented one of my high time executive officers, Capt. Rick Mueller with a lithograph to culminate his tenure at Charleston AFB as he and his wife Capt. Heather Mueller move to their next assignment in Washington D.C.
I also had the opportunity to meet with and discuss concerns with members of the Key Spouse team and consultant Linda Lankosz at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. As I listened to the spouses during this high ops tempo I was highly impressed with the support and energy that exudes from this group.
This week I headed out on my first down range combat mission in the C-17 with Chief Master Sgt. Mike Ivey and my thoughts were on a basic crew concept-checklist discipline. In our military, it is an essential basic required for success. It seems so simple; follow the written words, the "list" and the task will be done correctly and safely, then you can move on to the next one. Aviations constant demon, "complacency" will rear up the minute a professional Airman, usually an experienced one, let's up on personal discipline for an instant and checklist discipline will often suffer if complacency comes into play.
While flying with Capt. Marshal Haylett, Capt. Chaz Connell, Capt. Andy Dailey, Staff Sgt. David Gonzalez, Senior Airman Travis Randolph and Airman 1st Class Luke Harshman I was reminded of how a good crew creates an environment that does not allow discipline to deteriorate. And it begins before any aircraft ever takes off as it did with this one when Staff Sgt. Joshua Heemsoth from the aircraft maintenance squadron met us at the jet to ensure we had everything we needed from maintenance. To a military professional, one whose job it is to protect this country, its people and the Constitution, each and every one of you, checklist discipline is not optional. We do not cut corners to save time; we do our jobs in a manner that encompasses our core values; if there is a job that is to be done, it is worth doing right.
This thought extends to Team Charleston as the four-day weekend approaches and we start planning our activities. You all must strive to avoid complacency as you load up your vehicles and head out on the road or your boats; avoid complacency and please stay safe during this weekend!
I am proud of the members of the 437th Airlift Wing, of the job you do and the way of life you have chosen. Continue to soar as you do now and your wing will continue to be a leader as our nation continues toward global superiority.