CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
There are days all of us have in our careers that are special, rewarding or sometimes just plain fun. These times will define our service and be the stories we tell again and again, long after the moment is over. Our fast paced operations seldom lend time to relax and enjoy these moments to their fullest. I challenge you to recognize these moments, pause and take time to relish them. I was fortunate this past week to have one of those special days watching our Rodeo team at McChord AFB, led by Maj. Jesse Baker.
I started my day watching the aerial port squadron team accelerate through an hour long confidence course, battling challenges, fixing M-16s, dodging smoke grenades and just plain running fast. Next, I watched our security forces team blitz through a team obstacle course; they went over barricades and across balance beams faster than I could run. As this was going on, our maintainers were receiving the aircrew back from an early morning launch. Amidst the flurry of activity, we celebrated our team victories with a great sense of pride as our Airmen demonstrated commitment and excellence in each and every task. Our community representatives, Sean Tracey and Cheryl Clark, also participated as Rodeo team members.
After being impressed by the teamwork at Rodeo, I went to Fort Lewis where our special operations crews and maintainers were participating in a multi-lateral exercise with other SOF forces. Capt. Curt Haase introduced me to our Special Operations Low Level II mission as we flew the most challenging flight I have experienced in the C-17.
I am not the only person to recognize your dedication and excellence. Chief Ivey and I spent some time in the community this week. We visited the offices of our elected officials, and listened proudly as Ashley Holbrook (Senator Demint's office) and Earl Copeland (Congressman Brown's office) emphasized their strong support to our Airmen and mission. As if this weren't enough, later in the week we were fortunate to host Maj. Gen. Mark Solo, the 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center commander. His message while visiting Team Charleston was clear: he knows we are engaged, we make a difference and mobility doesn't happen without Team Charleston.
Also this week, I enjoyed touring more of our maintenance group and met superstars like Master Sgt. Jeffrey Arnold. I had the pleasure of seeing another aspect of our partnership with Boeing as Aaron Monroe showed off our C-17 engine capability. Master Sgt. Perry Woods stepped up and briefed me on our fuel cell maintenance efforts and Master Sgt. Frank Troyan showed off all the great work that is done in the precision measurement equipment lab. I finished my tour by examining our munitions facilities, led by Master Sgt. Charles Gowan, and marveled at the scope of managing this effort.
Sadly, we remember and honor Staff Sgt. Danielle Mincey from the 315th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. She had many friends and will be dearly missed.
As always, please be safe, enjoy our beautiful summer weather and look out for each other. Your service to our nation is needed.