CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
This week was a demanding week for Team Charleston. In these weeks we need courage, and Capt. Zach Hall, one of my execs, reminded me of the phrase and story "Of Courage Undaunted..."
Thomas Jefferson wrote these words describing Captain Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Jefferson's words would elaborate on the character and accomplishments of an American who helped lead the Corps of Discovery from its origins at Pennsylvania Avenue to the Pacific Ocean. One can only imagine what courage Meriwether Lewis possessed as he pioneered and explored a new land. I often think about the courage required of my fellow Airmen as they press the bounds of their comfort levels and are forced to draw upon nearly every facet of their talents and abilities to succeed. There are certainly degrees of courage and one need not be on a battlefield to exhibit courage on a daily basis. Courage to do what is right, to safely follow regulations when shortcuts tempt our ethic is a primary reason we are so successful.
Chief Ivey and I started our week witnessing various forms of courage from the men and women at Charleston AFB. A perfect example was Staff Sgt. Danny South and Senior Airman Scott Skinner from the 15th Airlift Squadron. They showed courage as they represented the 437th Airlift Wing by standing in front of hundreds of citizens in their service dress as they helped two Medal of Honor recipients and the families of fallen soldiers unveil the Mount Pleasant War Memorial.
I was very impressed with my visit to the Civil Engineer Squadron this week. Glen Easterby's leadership was evident everywhere. I met Cindy Hughes and saw all the challenging issues she solves easily. I met Billy Graham, working miracles fighting the aging electrical systems in parts of our base. Master Sgt. Byron Kendziora reminded me of the challenges our civil engineers face with a demanding deployment schedule. Senior Airman Nicole Reynolds described her role in civil engineer while proudly displaying her Honor Guard patch. I ended my tour of CE in a discussion with Col. Frank Jones, no different than a thousand discussions he's had over his two years at Charleston. He and his wife Suzann have poured their hearts into Charleston, into his diverse group with immense talent, and his passion for mission, people and attitude. His leadership will be hard to replace.
As our week approached its end, I saw two extraordinary acts of courage as we remembered Master Sgt. Jermode Pharr. The first was from Tech. Sgt. Sabadilla Lloyd. In a chapel with all eyes on him, he sang the most beautiful "Amazing Grace" I have ever heard. His courage was beyond words, rising in that moment to perform as he did. The second item of memorable courage was the entire Force Support Squadron, with Chief Master Sgt. Angela Valentine the focal point as the family liaison officer to Sergeant Pharr's family. I know I speak for all of Team Charleston when I say we will dearly miss Sergeant Pharr.
I remind you all that your courage is important. Our country is at war and you are needed. Please be safe, continue to look out for each other, and thank you for your service to our nation.