USCENTCOM commander brings holiday greetings to members of the 386th AEW

Photo By Master Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla | U.S. Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander, U.S. Central Command, coins Staff Sgt. Zachary Brown, a 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron Client Systems Technician, during a visit to the 386th AEW, Nov. 24, 2015, at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. During his visit Austin presented a coin to four Airmen in recognition for their outstanding performance within their units. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

11.24.2015

Story by Maj. John Stamm 

386th Air Expeditionary Wing

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION - The United States Central Command Commander, Gen, Lloyd J. Austin III, made a special trip to the 386 Air Expeditionary Wing Tuesday, Nov. 24, to visit with troops stationed here.

Gen. Austin personally delivered words of admiration and gratitude to the Airmen of the 386th and their families stressing that he is proud of them and cares about their welfare.

“What you do is important to mission success,” Austin said. “It is because of the work that you do and the work of your teammates that we are being successful and we will defeat ISIL.”

Gen. Austin visited several squadrons at the 386th, including the maintenance squadron, the communications squadron and the security forces squadron. Senior Airman Cayo Bellaine, 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, was among those who met with the general.

“I think it’s wonderful he took the time to come see us,” said Bellaine. “He was very humble and I came away with the feeling that he truly cares. And that means a lot.”

Gen. Austin told the assembled service members at each location that, “What you’re doing is important and you are making a difference.” He thanked them for their service and many sacrifices and asked them to pass along his message of thanks to their family members and loved ones as well.

U.S. Central Command, with national and international partners, promotes cooperation among nations, responds to crises, deters or defeats state and non-state aggression, supports development and, when necessary, reconstruction in order to establish the conditions for regional security, stability, and prosperity.

For more information on USCENTCOM, visit www.centcom.mil

For more information on the 386 AEW, visit www.afcent.af.mil/Units/386thAirExpeditionaryWing.aspx

• Date Taken: 11.24.2015
• Date Posted: 11.26.2015 01:46
• Story ID: 182955
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)