CHARELSTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Talk about lucky ... that's how I feel as I reflect back on my two years here.
From the day Doreen and I arrived in June 2005, to our last few days here, the support and customer service across this base and in the local community continue to amaze us.
When we left the Pentagon and the Washington D.C. area and headed for the Low Country, we knew we would be happy, but we couldn't have imagined what a great two years it would be. We were welcomed in by the downtown community, the base housing community and Team Charleston from day one. As time went on, we just loved it here even more.
It is no wonder Team Charleston continues to win so many awards and leads the command in so many ways. We have great people doing amazing things and making a difference in our world every day by delivering freedom and saving lives. I'm so thankful to have been a part of such a winning team. These two years will be a constant reminder to me of just how important people are to the mission.
There are some key people who truly made life for me as the 437th Mission Support Group commander such a great assignment. First off, my secretary who made sure I was where I needed to be and ensured all details of any task was always taken care of. I owe a great debt of gratitude to Kyndra Combs. She does it all and ensures a very busy 437 MSG front office not only stays efficient, but also has fun while at work.
The executive officers I've had who did simply amazing work while putting in extremely long hours were Maj. Chris Hageman, Capt. George Vandevere, Capt. Rick Mueller, 1st Lt. Trevin Murray and 1st Lt. Billy Wendeln.
I'd also like to thank my eight squadron commanders and my group superintendents, both current and previous, for being absolute superstars who did extremely tough work every day and stayed focused on our Air Force mission while always ensuring top quality customer service.
Finally, I just couldn't have survived without these three: Lt. Cols. Stan Ruff (now retired), Neil Sauve and Todd Hackett. These gentlemen made it happen day to day, every day, which allowed me the opportunity to stay focused on the major strategic issues. They never had a complaint and always had a "yes sir." There is nothing they couldn't or wouldn't handle. A term I used affectionately was GDW, good deputy work, which still didn't even rattle them. They are future 437 MSG commanders ready for the task.
I am honored to have served with all of the superstars in this truly talented airlift wing.
To everyone else who affected our lives in so many positive ways, Doreen and I would like to say thank you so much and farewell as we head to Air Mobility Command headquarters where I will be the deputy director of installations and mission support.
We won't be strangers, since we'll still be part of the AMC "family" and hopefully we'll be able to visit and assist Charleston if ever needed.