CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
What a tour this has been! I have served in the Air Force for 26 years and nine months and had 13 assignments. I can honestly say being a part of Team Charleston has been the most rewarding and one of my most memorable assignments. It is hard to believe three years have gone by so fast.
When I was selected to command the 437th Medical Group at Charleston AFB, I was ecstatic. Unfortunately, my arrival here was clouded by the death of my dad who died five days before my change of command. Honestly, as a result, the ceremony was a blur. However, what happened between then and now has been phenomenal.
This has been my first time serving in Air Mobility Command. What an awesome mission ... Hurricanes Katrina and Ophelia, humanitarian missions all across the globe, Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, presidential and vice presidential visits, and delivering mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles to the warfighters just to name a few. Every time I see a C-17, taking off I think of all the individuals on Team Charleston who had a hand in that successful lift and it makes me proud to be a member of the premier airlift wing in AMC. I have been blessed to work and live among some of the best military members, civilians and contractors in the Department of Defense. I truly believe Team Charleston attracts the crème de la crème. As I reflect on the past three years, I have to mention a few people.
First and foremost, I have to thank the medics, military members, civilians and contractors of the 437 MDG -- all I can say is WOW! What an outstanding group of medical professionals. You are the unsung heroes dedicated to ensuring Airmen, retirees and their families receive the best medical care available. Men and women of the 437 MDG, you rock! As I have always said, it takes special people to do what you do day in and day out and provide optimal medical care while continuing to be warrior medics. It has been such an honor to be your commander.
I also would like to thank my squadron commanders from the past three years; retired Lt. Col. Ken Hill, Lt. Cols. Brian Anderson, Eric Stone, Beverly Smith, James Boyd, Beverly Johnson, James Barber and Pam Smith. I would also like to thank my deputies, Cols. Michael Kuscera and James Loe; the chiefs of the medical staff, Lt. Col. Greg Sweitzer and Maj. Chris Walker and all the squadron superintendents. They are such great leaders who worked diligently to meet the mission and care for the Airmen under their purview.
A special thanks goes out to my inner sanctum, my executive officers whose meticulous detail in getting awards, decorations, officer and enlisted performance reports and daunting tasks in on time was done with ease. Capt. Quinette Brown, aka "Q," thanks for keeping me on track and making my days easier. Capt. Sean Pike, thanks for your support and the tidbits on the history of Charleston.
My chiefs ... Chief Master Sgt. Mark Withers weathered me through a Health Service and Joint Commission Inspection in my first six months here at Charleston with his enthusiasm and professionalism. Chief Master Sgt. Kathy Gray, the epitome of a chief master sergeant, has been my pulse on enlisted issues, a sounding board and always keeps the best interest of our Airmen in mind.
A heartfelt thanks to my first sergeant, Master Sgt. Angela Powell -- what a true advocate and mentor for our enlisted force. I was also blessed during my first two years in command to work with Master Sgt. Ken Carter. Those who know him will confirm he is one of the best first sergeants in the Air Force. Ken, thanks for being you.
Last, but certainly not least, the inner pulse of the medical group, Frances Wilkins, a 19-year Charleston AFB veteran and my secretary. "Mrs. Fran" is the ultimate professional and one of the kindest and caring human beings I have ever had the privilege to know. The professionalism and pride she takes in her work and in every individual she comes in contact with is rare and special. What a blessing she has been to me and the medical group. I will miss her most of all. Fran, words can't express my gratitude. You are awesome!
Next, I have to thank Brig. Gen. Susan Desjardins, who was the wing commander when I arrived, for having confidence in me and selecting me to command the 437 MDG. Although she departed four months after my arrival, I was truly inspired by her leadership and her mantra "our cargo is freedom and we will go to the ends of the earth to deliver it." ... what an awesome commander and human being. I would also like to thank Col. Glen Joerger, the second wing commander during my tour for being a charismatic and caring individual. I often told him he made us proud every time he spoke about the Team Charleston mission. And then, of course, I would also like to thank Col. John "Red" Millander, the current wing commander. His energy and vision is truly an inspiration in ensuring we are "taking our nation's fight to the enemy." Team Charleston and the 437th Airlift Wing have been truly blessed to have such dedicated leaders at the stick. Throughout the past three years, I have taken away valuable leadership pearls of wisdom from each of them ... thank you.
I would be remiss if I did not give a shout out to the vice commanders Col. Steve Harrison, Col. John Michel and the current vice commander, Col. Donald Shaffer. Their great leadership has been instrumental to the excellent continuity in all Wing operations.
My fellow group commander, superb leaders and experts in their field, it has been an honor and a pleasure working with you. During my tour here, I have seen each group change hands and it amazed me how each personality added new vitality and vision. The Air Force has some truly exceptional leaders. Cols. Paul Curlett, Joe Mancy, Frank Fields, Tony Butters, Joe Wiley, Grace Blevins-Holman, Tammy Livingood, Nick Desport, Frank Jones, Todd Hackett, and Lt. Cols. Nelson Novo and Henry Steenken. A huge thanks to all of you ... your support and camaraderie will not be forgotten.
I do have to add a personal note. As members of the Air Force, we move so often and friends and relationships are sometimes fleeting. While here at Charleston, I have been blessed to have befriended an individual who will be a wingman for life. Colonel Blevins-Holman has had my back and continues to, even though she and her husband departed Charleston AFB more than a year ago. We have been through some ups and downs and, without her support and friendship, my tour here would not have been as great. What an officer and personal friend ... Grace, you're my hero!
There have been so many people here at Charleston who have touched my life and my heart, I wish I could thank you all individually. So, a huge thanks to all of Team Charleston and keep taking the fight to the enemy with professionalism, style and grace.
I will always look for the Charleston tail flash and, when I see it, I will remember the dedicated men and women behind it. It has been my honor to serve with all of you!