CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Each week I address you as "Team Charleston."
This is the most fitting description I could think of, but not because we wear the same uniform, are assigned to the same unit and the same base. These things don't make us a team, it is our ability to work together to achieve a common goal that makes us a team.
Every day, I see you take on this tremendously challenging mission by dividing the work among the team to maximize your successes. The cooperative spirit of the team makes it all seem so simple, but we know it is not so simple. I see what you do and I know how tough it is to keep this base secure, to keep programs running and to keep those C-17s flying safely as well as all the other things you do.
Our mission is a tough one. It is physically, emotionally and mentally demanding. It requires resourcefulness to solve the many problems we face every day. Our mission is not one that can be accomplished by a group of individuals; our mission takes a team.
Recently, I read a quote by an unknown author who said, "A successful team beats with one heart." This is not the only description of a successful team, but I believe it is a good description of our team.
Charleston is overflowing with examples of teams that beat with one heart. The most recent example of a successful team is Charleston's Air Mobility 2007 Rodeo team. They were the ultimate example of the blending of the 437th and 315th Airlift Wings to make an awesome Rodeo team. They all performed well and did us extremely proud -- special kudos and congratulations for the three team awards they brought home. Your teamwork paid off.
Throughout the base, I find units meeting and exceeding goals. The collective tempo of your work beats at the same rhythmic pace. You pound out one objective after the other at the cadence of a warrior's heart to keep the never-ending mission on track. I like to believe you do it because you not only understand the vital importance of the mission, but also understand the importance of your role in that mission.
This kind of performance saves lives and gets our mission done -- "Take the Fight to the Enemy." Getting our mission done is what puts us on top of our game, and getting our mission done is what keeps us on top of our game. We have yet to engage a challenge great enough to stifle the spirit that drives us to perform. This is what we do ... and we do it well.
Finally, congratulations to our Airmen being promoted in August. You have risen to the challenge and are about to embark on the next phase of your Air Force career. You have proven your ability. Now, it's time to take on more responsibility. Please know that you have the complete confidence and support of your leadership, the rest is up to you. I wish you all the best for a bright and successful future.
Team Charleston - Taking the Fight to the Enemy!