CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Last week's exercise was an excellent test for Team Charleston as we demonstrated our initial response capabilities by processing more than 400 Airmen and approximately 400 short tons of cargo.
These impressive numbers were accomplished by hard work and long hours. Thank you to everyone who helped make this exercise such a safe success. It was a very busy time and the aerial port and Building 610 were both bustling with activity. We learned some valuable lessons that will really pay off during our expeditionary operational readiness inspection, which is only four weeks away.
With the ORI just around the corner and the normal wartime missions continuing to flow, the next few weeks may be a time of anxiety for those getting ready to be evaluated by Air Mobility Command inspectors. Now is the time to take a good look at ourselves and other Airmen to make sure we are taking care of one another and watching out for each other. You all have worked very hard to get ready for this inspection and I am confident we are ready to impress the team with our capabilities. You are an outstanding team doing outstanding work.
This Fourth of July marks the 232nd anniversary of our nation's independence. As you spend the holiday with family and friends, I ask that you take time to reflect on the individual liberties for which the founders of our great nation fought and died ... and which American heroes continue to make the ultimate sacrifice to keep our nation free.
More than 230 years ago, our forefathers shocked the world by proclaiming that governments do not greatly bestow human rights upon those they govern. Instead, "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," are the right and natural state of mankind and that we, the people, are fully capable of self government.
As we celebrate the birthday of our nation, remember that more than 600 Charleston Airmen are serving in dangerous locations throughout the world. As you celebrate and enjoy the freedoms won in hard-fought conflict, please think of our deployed Airmen and their families.
Finally, remember the Fourth of July is also a time of increased incidence of preventable off-duty mishaps. Celebrate the birth of our nation with pride but also with responsibility. Use common sense and sound decisions to make this a great holiday.
Our mission, and the Airmen who perform it, are too important for us to lose in a safety mishap or alcohol-related incidents. We are 39 days into the 101 Critical Days of Summer and it is imperative that we keep safety in mind. Wear your seat belts, life jackets and other personal protective gear for whatever activities you will be taking part in. Ensure you are well rested before heading out on long trips. If your celebrations include alcohol, they must also include a designated driver. If you choose to use fireworks, take extra safety precautions especially around young children. Seemingly harmless sparklers burn at more than 1,800 degrees and are the No. 1 reason children are taken to the emergency room on the Fourth of July weekend. Mission First ... Safety Always!
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!