Photo By Tech. Sgt. Shelton Sherrill | Col. Jaret Fish, 403rd Wing commander, highlights the importance of readiness, operational security, policy updates, and recognizes wing outstanding performers during his commander’s calls, March 8 at the Roberts Maintenance Facility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shelton Sherrill) see less
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KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISSISSIPPI, UNITED STATES
March commander’s calls highlight readiness, recognize Airmen
The 403rd Wing’s command team hosted two commander's calls here March 8 to recognize top performers, share policy updates, and discuss mission priorities with the wing’s Airmen.
Led by the wing’s commander, deputy commander, and command chief, the event at the Roberts Consolidated Maintenance Facility auditorium highlighted numerous achievements.
Among the honors announced was the wing’s receipt of the Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award. Leadership also recognized several Air Force Reserve Command-level award winners, including the recipients of the Team Aviation Safety Award and Athlete of the Year. Additionally, the wing’s third- and fourth-quarter award recipients were celebrated for their outstanding performance and contributions to the mission, and the Wing’s Inspector General Inspections division recognized outstanding performers from the October Combat Readiness Inspection.
“Today is about recognizing the incredible work happening across this wing,” said Col. Jaret Fish, 403rd Wing commander. “The Airmen we recognized represent the dedication, professionalism and teamwork that keep our mission moving forward every day.
Chief Master Sgt. Tige Platt, 403rd Wing command chief, thanked Airmen for their flexibility in supporting the March 7 annual awards ceremony and color run.
“First, thank you to everybody that made yesterday happen,” Platt said. “I know it was a spur-of-the-moment annual award ceremony, but it worked out really well and the color run was a blast.”
The command chief recognized the Airmen who supported the 22nd Air Force Airman of the Year awards panel hosted at Keesler AFB, where senior enlisted leaders gathered to select higher-level award winners.
Continuing the theme of enlisted development,Col. Richard Konopczynski, 403rd Wing deputy commander, also encouraged Airmen to remain engaged with other members and build relationships during their assignments.
“Don’t be a house plant,” he said. “Get out and participate with others—whether it’s working out or doing something fun.”
The assembly also reinforced the importance of readiness, professional development, and operational security.
Wing subject matter experts provided multiple briefings covering updated physical fitness testing guidance, operational security awareness, and the implementation of a new training record platform designed to streamline how Airmen track their Career Field Education Training Plan completion and readiness requirements.
Fish emphasized accountability and preparation as the Air Force transitions to updated fitness testing procedures.
“Following up on the fitness testing, the fitness test will start recording scores in July, so be ready for that,” Fish said. “When I'm talking to your commanders about the status of the wing, I'm not asking them to tell me who failed… What I am asking them is who didn't show up.”
Fish stressed that taking the test and preparing for it demonstrates commitment to readiness.
“The expectation is that you take the test. Know when you are scheduled and be prepared,” he said.
The commander also encouraged Airmen to think beyond individual readiness and consider how their families play a role in mission success.
“Have the conversations with your families about deploying and posting on social media,” Fish said. “Make sure they are ready, especially when it comes to operational security. You are trained on it, but your family is not. It is up to you to make sure your family is ready and stays safe.”
Konopczynski spoke with the wing members and shared personal career insights, encouraging Airmen to take ownership of their professional development.
“As an Airman, I have been in every one of your positions,” Konopczynski said, talking about his career path from enlisted Airman Basic to colonel.
He advised Airmen to make the most of their time by staying ahead of administrative and training requirements.
“My cheat code for your career is simple: be selfish,” he said. “Be selfish with your time. Get the computer-based courses completed, get the medical paperwork done, get the administrative work out of the way so you’re ready when opportunities come.”
When it comes to opportunities, Platt encouraged qualified noncommissioned officers to consider becoming first sergeants, noting the wing currently has vacancies in those positions.
“If you’re a solid master sergeant and you’re looking for a challenge that you will love and hate every single day, consider being a first sergeant,” he said.
To help Airmen, the wing plans to host a chief master sergeant and first sergeant mentoring session during the May unit training assembly, providing Airmen with the opportunity to speak directly with senior enlisted leaders.
The commander’s call reinforced the wing’s focus on readiness, accountability and professional development while celebrating the achievements of Airmen across the organization.
“The success of this wing comes down to our people and their readiness,” Fish said. “When our Airmen are prepared, our families are informed and supportive, and we stay focused on the mission, there’s nothing the 403rd Wing can’t accomplish.”
(AI edited)
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