CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
I recently returned from a trip overseas, which transited several bases, and I had the opportunity to see many of our deployed Team Charleston members performing at their best -- contributing not only to the war effort, but to Team Charleston's reputation as Air Mobility Command's busiest wing.
I observed some outstanding teamwork, coordination and commitment to getting the job done. Our Airmen are doing amazing things, working together as a team to accomplish the mission. The aircrew I flew with exemplified perfect examples of service before self and excellence in all we do while moving our mission. Moments of greatness come to mind, like when our maintainers worked through the night correcting an engine malfunction, despite being exposed to the 35 below-zero wind-chill temperatures at an airfield in Canada. They not only ensured that our own aircraft was ready to go the next day, but they also lent a hand to others in the area of responsibility along the way that needed assistance. Everyone pulled together to keep the mission moving forward.
There were other instances I observed that reminded me of the importance of never sacrificing excellence for expedience. Some jobs are just tough...but we cannot afford to take short cuts just because something is a lot of work. We must concentrate our efforts to do the job right the first time, using our checklists and tech orders to ensure the mission is safely accomplished. Getting "back to basics" is something we must always keep in mind when we operate. We should never cut corners when accomplishing the mission - and just as importantly, when things do go wrong we should focus on setting things right and getting the mission moving before we examine breakdowns in process, training or procedure.
I would also like to remind you about the ground breaking ceremony for the new Brig. Gen. Thomas R. Mikolajcik Child Development Center scheduled for Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. This is a momentous event, as the new CDC will nearly triple our current capacity to 305 seats and will better serve the Team Charleston community. The site for the new CDC is located south of Hill Boulevard next to East Jackson Drive (behind the Fitness Center).
The CDC was named for General Mikolajcik for his years of loyal service, selfless dedication, and uncompromising care for our Airmen, their families, and Team Charleston. The general commanded Charleston AFB from 1991 to 1994 and retired to the Charleston area in 1996 after holding a position at Headquarters U.S. Air Force in Washington, D.C. Upon moving here, he immediately set about helping to build community support and understanding for Charleston AFB and its mission through his contacts with numerous civic organizations and community leaders. He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2003. ALS is more commonly referred to as the Lou Gehrig's disease and is a degenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. After learning that veterans of the Gulf War had a much greater incidence of developing ALS, General Mikolajcik made it his personal battle to ensure that ALS was recognized as a service-connected disability. He campaigned tirelessly, even traveling to D.C. to testify at Senate hearings, all the while as the disease took its toll on his body. Thanks to his efforts, veterans diagnosed with ALS now get the medical and financial support they need to battle this devastating disease.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!