Photo By Master Sgt. Rebecca Imwalle | Betty Welsh, wife of Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, speaks to...... read more read more
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ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. - The U.S. Air Force's highest ranking officer teamed up with the service's highest ranking enlisted member to visit the base nestled in the heartland and not only laud the efforts of those accomplishing the mission, but see firsthand the hard work being done by airmen stationed there.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, his wife, Betty, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Cody visited Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Nov. 26 and 27 as part of a two-base visit designed to address current issues and challenges the Air Force is facing.
"I am always happy to host the chief of staff and the chief master sergeant of the Air Force so they can meet the fantastic Airmen we have serving at Ellsworth," said Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th Bomb Wing commander. "Their visit served two purposes - it connected our airmen to our senior leaders and it allowed General Welsh and Chief Cody to witness some of the successes our Airmen have created in providing expeditionary combat power."
Soon after his arrival, Welsh spoke to airmen during an all call in the base's Pride Hangar where he expressed his utmost appreciation for their hard work and continued dedication to accomplishing the mission, especially during trying times.
"We're here for one reason, to thank you," Welsh told the audience. "Thank you for representing the Air Force and serving our great nation so well."
Welsh explained that as airmen continue to press forward, he wants them to focus on three key concepts, common sense, communication and caring.
"Look around you, we're serving with the best men and women on earth," said Welsh. "Every Airman has a story, we need to make sure we talk to them and show them we care so we can learn those stories."
During his address, the general commended everyone for their commitment - especially those in the civilian workforce on base who have endured a great deal yet remain undaunted in their focus to help preserve our nation's freedoms.
One of the civilians in attendance was Glenda Johnson, 28th Maintenance Group Analyst section chief, who has served at Ellsworth for more than 10 years. During the all call, she was recognized and coined by Welsh for her 18 years of honorable service in the Air Force.
"I have always been blessed to have good leaders who looked after and took care of me," said Johnson. "It means a lot to know they recognize and appreciate my contributions. I am very flattered."
Following the address, Welsh and Cody toured one of the base's 28 B-1 bombers to learn more about the upgrades and increased lethality of the bomber considered to be the backbone of the Air Force.
Welsh said that Ellsworth airmen should be proud of the fact that they play a vital role in preserving our nation's freedoms and taking the fight to the enemy.
"While our Air Force may be going through some big changes, our job remains the same," said Welsh. "We still need to maintain readiness and perform our duties. That's the reason we are, and have always been the world's greatest Air Force."
Welsh and Cody also took time to talk with aviators from the 37th BS who are poised to deploy to Southwest Asia early next year.
"It was nice to hear our leadership's perspective on big issues in the Air Force," said Maj. Chris Rumpf, 37th Bomb Squadron instructor pilot. "I think we were all honored to meet them and share some of our wing's rich history."
At the same time across the base, Betty Welsh and the first lady of the 28th Bomb Wing, Cindy Kennedy, met with several spouses of military members to hear their stories and the challenges they have endured in their lives.
A mother of five and wife of Col. Kennedy, Mrs. Kennedy said she completely understands the struggles that spouses and wives endure, and lauded the efforts of all those who support families prior to, during and following deployments.
"Our spouses serve in a very visible way," Mrs. Kennedy said. "However, our families serve in a quiet, behind the scenes way. If our families aren't cared for, our spouses will be distracted and unable to keep focused. Our Air Force leaders understand that. Over the past 20 years, I've found that when I need help, my military family is right there, many times before I realize I need them."
At the end of their visit, Welsh and Cody met with chief master sergeants and senior NCOs from the base to hear of their challenges and to make perfectly clear the vital role that each plays in the development of the future force.
"What you guys do at Ellsworth is truly amazing," the general added. "It's an honor and a privilege to serve alongside airmen like you."
| Date Taken: | 11.27.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 12.10.2013 12:30 |
| Story ID: | 117986 |
| Location: | ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, SOUTH DAKOTA, US |
| Web Views: | 65 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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