CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, it has been quite a busy month for me with multiple TDYs. I returned Sunday from a mission downrange, and now I am in Nashville, Tenn., attending the annual Airlift/Tanker Association convention.
Traveling as a crewmember on the downrange flights, I had the opportunity to do the mission of this wing ... we took our nation's Fight to the Enemy in Iraq. I saw some of our deployed aerial port personnel there. They are doing great things and making many sacrifices. They are serving proudly, performing to the highest Team Charleston standards and I am honored to be their commander. Please keep them in your thoughts and continue to provide world-class support to their family members.
The Airlift/Tanker Association annual convention started yesterday and will last until Sunday. We flew more than 140 Team Charleston members on two C-17s to attend this year's conference. Thank you to commanders at every level who made their people available and allowed them to attend.
The Airlift/Tanker Association represents the ultimate in teamwork. It brings together all the different functions of the mobility world with our corporate partners. These agencies, representing air refueling, airlift, security forces, aero medical evacuation, etc., make our mission happen.
Another important benefit of the A/TA convention is that it reminds us all that what we are doing at Air Mobility Command ties into the larger Chief of Staff of the Air Force priorities for the Air Force and our nation. Listed below are the Chief's current priorities along with a list of talking points that demonstrate how we at Charleston are focusing on those same priorities as we take the fight to the enemy every day.
Another great event that took place this week was the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday for the base theater. The remodeled building is a state-of-the-art, first-class facility, which will be enjoyed by the men and women of Charleston AFB for many years to come. Kudos to our 437th Services Squadron for hosting a free movie night for our folks and their family members. You can't get a better deal anywhere -- free movie, free sodas and free popcorn.
Also, congratulations to our recent Airman Leadership School graduates. With the knowledge you have gained, it will make you more effective leaders and supervisors. You are now well on the way to becoming great managers.
As many of you are aware, Charleston AFB was recently named one of the three finalists for the Commander in Chief Installation Excellence Award for 2008. The evaluation teams will be here from Oct. 29 through Oct. 30. Preparing for this visit is a huge undertaking, particularly on such short notice. However, I have no doubt that Team Charleston will forge ahead and show the team members what it takes to once again be chosen the best of the best ... and extend our win streak for a second year in a row for this prestigious award. Thank you to all POCs and the rest of the team who are putting forth the extra effort to bring home more hardware for Team Charleston.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!