CMSAF visits Task Force Holloman, gets firsthand look at support to OAW

Photo By Sgt. Anthony Sanchez | Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass addresses Task Force Holloman and 49th Wing Airmen during an all call as part of a visit to Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Oct. 13, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Anthony Sanchez)  

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, NM, UNITED STATES

10.14.2021

Story by Pfc. Anthony Sanchez 

Operation Allies Welcome - Operation Allies Refuge   

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, visited Task Force Holloman at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Oct. 13, 2021.

Bass received a first-hand look at TFH operations, which included touring the life support area housing service members temporarily deployed in support of the Operation Allies Welcome, the in-processing center, quality of life support, and Aman Omid Village where Afghan evacuees reside.

“Our force is half the size it was when I entered the Air Force,” Bass said. “Your service matters more than it ever has.”

As part of the visit, Bass visited the Initial Processing Center and flight line where the Afghan evacuees arrived.

“Whether you’re an Airman from POL [petroleum, oil, and lubricant], admin, finance, load master, or whatever else we trained you for but when you’re supporting this particular mission, you’re doing a whole lot of other stuff that you probably thought you never will have done,” Bass said. “I thought it was fantastic.”

Bass also had the opportunity to walk through Aman Omid Village to meet the Airmen who built and continue to sustain the quality of life within the village. The tour included the AOV dining facility, recreation areas, and medical services for evacuees as they wait for resettlement in the United States.

“What I loved seeing and what was inspiring was watching the Airmen operate and seeing the emotional intelligence they have to care for our Afghan guests,” Bass said.

Bass also mentioned that she is proud of the Airmen and the civilians at TFH, and feels that the evacuees are in good hands.

“What is most rewarding is knowing that we won’t necessary see the fruits of our labor today, but we’ll see the fruits of that labor in generations to come,” she added.

Before departing TFH, Bass held an all call with TFH and 49th Wing personnel to disseminate Air Force level updates and to recognize them for their hard work.

“Our nation is safe because of the service you provide every day,” said Bass. “It’s not lost on our senior leaders, it’s because of you, we are free.”

• Date Taken: 10.14.2021
• Date Posted: 10.14.2021 14:55
• Story ID: 407250
• Location: HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, NM, US