CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
This past week I was on leave in California and Washington. I mention my leave because each of you needs to focus on your own leave and make it happen. Sometimes our leave, and certainly mine, isn't easy to take. Plane tickets, rental cars, hotels, dividing time between family, friends and personal relaxation can make leave a hectic time -- even for wing commanders.
You might even think there is just too much going on at work to leave. But I want you to think of this: what about the Airmen you work with? If you don't take leave, what example are you setting? Are you telling the Airmen you work with you don't trust them to get the work done, so you can't go on leave?
During my leave, Vice President and Mrs. Biden arrived and our wing leadership did phenomenal supporting the visit. Our point of contact, Lt. Col. Rob Neal, didn't miss a beat. And by the way, what was the Vice President doing at Charleston some of you are wondering ... he was taking leave. I returned from my leave and was honored to meet our Vice President as he departed. I am also pleased to pass on to everyone he said thank you and remarked how proud he was of Team Charleston. I'd also like to highlight Tech. Sgt. Naomi Frese who finished her time in wing protocol with a perfect send off of the Vice President.
This week Chief Ivey was at Scott AFB with many of our best Airmen, accomplishing professional development and supporting Gen. Lichte's Order of the Sword. Although Chief Ivey and I have been away, we are always up to date on the great things each of you accomplishes every day.
As we discuss frequently, we have a very busy wing postured across the world. I don't have to remind you that our Airmen and civilians deployed face danger while serving our nation proudly. I spoke by phone this week to Tech. Sgt. Mike Williams. Many of you know, Sergeant Williams was wounded in action, faces surgery and a long rehabilitation. We will cover his combat story in more detail later, but I want you to know I promised him and his family Team Charleston's full support. I know each of you, civilian, active duty or Reservist, would want me make that promise on your behalf. I am greatly looking forward to his return and leadership at Charleston.