CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, the past few weeks have been a buzz of change and excitement.
Farewell dinners and change of command ceremonies have marked significant changes in our leadership team. We bid a sad farewell to many commanders and extended a hearty welcome to an equal number to include our new wing commander, Col. John "Red" Millander.
The changing of command is a time-honored tradition that marks the transition of leadership from one commander to another. The ceremony provides a practical display of the complete trust that has been placed in the ability of an incoming commander to lead with strength and honor.
Some of you may be apprehensive with not knowing what the changes in command will bring. However, any apprehension you may be experiencing will be short lived as you get to know Colonel Millander and our other new commanders.
Continue to be professional, flexible and open to the positive possibilities that change can offer. I encourage you to view this period of change as an opportunity to showcase the amazing abilities that have made Team Charleston the world's premier airlift wing.
The buzz continued with the excitement of several professional military education graduations. I am sure our graduates were anxious to apply their newly acquired knowledge, skills and leadership abilities.
To our Airman Leadership School award winners, I salute you all: Senior Airman Melissa De La Torre, the distinguished graduate from the 437th Communications Squadron and also the academic achievement award winner, Senior Airman Raymond Terrell III, the leadership award winner from the 437th Aerial Port Squadron and finally, Staff Sgt. Jarrod Miller the John Levitow Award winner from the 437th Security Forces Squadron -- outstanding work.
Also, I'd like to say a job well done to our NCO Academy award winner, Tech. Sgt. Cary Collins from the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron who earned distinguished graduate honors.
Each year the Air Force selects their 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year. This year, one of Team Charleston's own is represented in that number. Staff Sgt. Richard Rose from the 1st Combat Camera Squadron is not only one of our best, he is also one of the best that our Air Force has to offer -- super job! I am confident he will represent the Air Force, Team Charleston and his unit well. Master Sgt. Chris Nolan, also from 1 CTCS, is the recipient of the Air Force Outstanding Multimedia Senior NCO of the Year.
Giving back to the community is one of the things Team Charleston does well. Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of the nine firefighters who lost their lives in service to our community. Kudos goes to Tech. Sgt. Sidney De Leon from the 437th Operations Support Squadron who initiated this compassionate fund raising effort. The base presented a check for $13,178 to the Charleston fire chief on behalf of the men and women of Team Charleston. Thanks to each of you who gave to this worthy cause.
Congratulations to all who were promoted this month. Promotion is not given, but earned, and you have proven worthy for the next level of responsibility. Special thanks to everyone who helped put the ceremony together. This was Colonel Millander's first promotion ceremony with us and his response was, "first class."
Team Charleston -- One family, one mission, one fight!