CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Good morning Team Charleston!
Let me begin by thanking everyone who participated in the Beaufort County Memorial Day Parade this week. I know you had to wake up a little earlier than you may have planned, and the bus ride was probably a little longer than you would have liked, but you represented the base in superb fashion. I know it meant a lot to the families of those servicemembers who are either no longer with us or were unable to attend. More importantly, I hope it meant a lot to you as the people who lined the streets of the parade route thanked you for your service. There is something about a parade that does the heart good. Let me offer a special word of thanks to Chief Master Sgt. Rob Downing, 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron, for filling in for me and heading up the flight.
Congratulations to the members of the wing who were recognized at the June promotion ceremony Thursday. Promotion, whether to Airman or chief master sergeant, is a very special time for those being promoted, their families and their friends. They are special because, by recommending you to progress to the next higher grade, your supervisor and commander have validated their confidence in your ability to continue to serve in our Air Force and to take on greater responsibility. This is definitely one of those times where it is okay to call home and brag about yourself. No promotion is a given and therefore should not be taken lightly. Thank you to everyone who helped in making the ceremony a success and to those who came out to participate. Also, thank you to the families who came to celebrate with their loved ones. Your presence makes an event like that even more meaningful.
Recently, Colonel Joerger and I had the opportunity to attend one of the ceremonies that honored our military Medal of Honor recipients and helped launch the opening of the new Medal of Honor Museum on the USS Yorktown. That was a phenomenal event where we were able to converse and interact with some of America's greatest war veterans. I stood in awe as more than 30 of our country's heroes were honored for service to this nation. One thing that impressed me most about each of them was how humble they were. In fact, as we were being introduced and before I could say anything, they would thank me for serving today. Can you imagine that, a Medal of Honor recipient thanking me for my service? What an honor it was for me to walk among those heroes that day.
Speaking of heroes, what an honor it is for me to serve with all of you. As members of Team Charleston you are making a difference in this world, one that you should be extremely proud of. Never downplay the importance of what you do. I understand that, just like the Medal of Honor recipients I met on the USS Yorktown, you are all very humble and you just want to do your job. Thank you for the spirit of service you possess and thank you for using it to keep this country strong.
Team Charleston - One family, one mission, one fight!