CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
First and foremost, let me say thank you to all of Team Charleston for the great welcome for the Wood family.
The base looked exceptional and the wing change of command ceremony was outstanding. Everyone who participated looked sharp in front of the community. Our own 18th Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott III, left impressed and ready to come back in July to see our wing in action. I am also certain Col. John "Red" Millander left with great pride as he reflected on the 437th Airlift Wing's achievements these past two years and I know I speak for all of us in wishing him and his family all the best in their next adventure. A wing change of command ceremony doesn't happen by chance; special thanks to Maj. Eliot Sasson, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; Ms. Kathy Knichel, protocol; and Senior Master Sgt. Robert Frank, 437th Aerial Port Squadron, for their spectacular performance leading up to the event and acting vice wing commander Col. Joe Mancy's leadership as commander of troops.
In my first week as your commander, I've had the pleasure of meeting Charleston Airmen, visiting our facilities and listening to many of you discuss our mission. I had the privilege to meet some of the youngest Airmen at our base who are making the mission happen, such as 437th Security Forces Squadron Airmen 1st Class Michael Whitcomb and Austin Berry, who post perfect post reports at our gates. Airmen 1st Class Laqeca Young and Andre Bolden are providing great customer service with the 437th Force Support Squadron. I also visited our Airmen who serve in our Base Honor Guard. Staff Sgt. Danial Sawyer led me on a tour of their facilities, and I was very impressed with their "self help" improvements that turned an adequate workspace into a place they are now very proud to call their own.
I realize our wing never rests, and with the Unit Compliance Inspection, Logistics Standardization Evaluation Program and the Emergency Management Inspection this week, you have put in lots of extra effort to ensure our team succeeds. Earlier this week, the 437th Operations Group led the wing's effort as Air Mobility Command inspectors completed their Aircrew Standardization and Evaluation Visit. Five of our Airmen, Capt. Curt Haase, 14th Airlift Squadron; Capt. Matt Inscoe, 437th Operations Group; Capt. Kenny Engleson, 437th Operations Support Squadron; Master Sgt. Bill Lesage, 14 AS; and Staff Sgt. Charles Watson, 317th Airlift Squadron; were recognized as outstanding performers. Also, it was no surprise our grade confirmed our ability to complete our mission.
I also attended the South Carolina Air Force Association awards luncheon. Three of our own, Capt. Frederick Mueller, 437 AW; Capt. Heather Mueller, 437 APS; and Staff Sgt Daniel Gutowski, 15th Airlift Squadron; were recognized as state-wide winners. Additionally, Sergeant Gutowski was surprised and awarded the Outstanding Air Force Person of the Year. This is the first time a non-pilot has ever won the award. Best of all, we received news that 60 of our very own NCOs were selected for promotion to master sergeant.
For the remainder of the week, I traveled to the 18th Air Force commanders' conference, and I left confident our command is exactly where I want to be. I look forward to getting out and meeting more of you at your work areas this coming week. I ask you to focus on your duty, take care of yourself and your families, and look out for each other.
I will always expect you to know the rules and do your best.
Again, thank you for your service and everything you do to support our great nation.