CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Good morning Team Charleston. Let me begin this week by congratulating the recent graduates of Airmen Leadership School class 07-C. What an extraordinary group of Airmen. These Charleston warriors are ready to accept the reins of leadership that will be thrust into their hands. If you are able to spend any amount of time with them you will see they are dedicated to making a difference for themselves, their families and this great nation. One of the "jodies" we would sing during basic training contained the words "get out my way, I'm coming through." The 36 members of Class 07-C want you to know they are moving forward and if you misstep, they will be on top of you. They also want you to know that if you do happen to stumble, they will be there to pick you up, brush you off and help you get back in step. They will define excellence in our Air Force. They are and will continue to be great Air Force leaders.
Let me offer a special word of congratulations to those members of the class who, because of their dedication and hard work, were selected as award winners for class 07-C. In a class with so many exceptional Airmen, being singled out as one of the best is an honor that should not be taken lightly.
By all counts, last week's Red Cross Blood Drive was a tremendous success thanks in large part to several members of the 437th Operations Support Squadron Combat Tactics Flight. Staff Sgt. Terry Langston and nine other members of the flight worked with the local chapter of the American Red Cross to ensure every member of Team Charleston had the opportunity to support this extremely vital effort. What makes their actions even more special is that most of them would love to donate blood but cannot; therefore, organizing the event is their way of making a contribution. Preliminary numbers reflect 130 percent of the Red Cross goal being met. Thanks to all the members of the Combat Tactics Flight who helped make this happen and thanks to everyone who was able to give the "gift of life."
Finally this week, I come to you once again asking for your assistance. Over the last couple of years we as members of the Air Force have made a concerted effort to cultivate the mindset that we are "Airmen first." A big part of that is reflected in how we address or refer to each other. I frequently hear us call those who serve in Air Force blue our troops, our kids, our folks when we should be calling them Airmen. I am as guilty as the next person so the buck stops here as well. The next time you hear someone use one of those phrases, politely pull them to the side and correct them. Granted it's a small step, but one I think will really help us engrain this mindset into our culture. We are Airmen first.
Team Charleston - One family, one mission, one fight!