Photo By Master Sgt. Andrew Lee | Service members stand in formation for a photo Jan. 13, on Camp Victory, Iraq. Airmen,...... read more read more
Story by: Maj. Joseph Coslett
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq -- The current Air Component Coordination Element-Iraq command chief gives thanks and some final words before leaving Baghdad Jan. 17.
Looking back over 60 missions to multiple locations throughout Iraq, “what I found astonishing was seeing all the amazing things Airmen do to support the joint fight,” said Chief Master Sgt. Scott Leach, ACCE-I command chief. “People come and go from different major commands, but within a few days, they form a cohesive team with their sister services with unbelievable results. We are in the fight and Airmen are making a difference throughout Iraq.”
Despite sometime poor, dangerous and harsh conditions—morale is high.
“At times it was shocking to see the dangerous conditions Airmen are facing everyday with smiles on their faces, just happy to support the war,” he said.
The chief’s travels brought him to many locations to see the multiple facets of how the Air Force has supported Operation Iraqi Freedom, now Operation New Dawn.
“No matter what job airmen are tasked with they get it done,” Leach said. “Many airmen are deployed within their skill set lining up with the Army’s military occupational specialty. Many times, this is only a 60 to 75 percent match but airmen quickly adapt and figure out the remaining 25 to 40 percent and do fantastic things. They perform above expectations—living the core value of excellence in all we do.”
Some parting thoughts from the chief are, “We need to continue to ensure our folks remain in the fight and integrate making our time here successful. We need to continue to work with Iraqis to form an enduring partnership in the future. This is the most important time in serving in Iraq. If we walk out or have to come back this will be an enormous disservice to everyone who served or lost their lives before us.
“Every airmen needs to know their chain of command, who they can call for issues and how they fit in the big picture—don’t leave Airmen out there with no support.”
The ACCE-I staff is only 30 people, but they are challenged with the daunting task of taking care of approximately 5,800 Airmen across Iraq.
“Just know your leadership and ACCE-I staff are doing everything to make airmen a priority,” he said. “To see the passion in the form of long hours and good old-fashioned hard work making sure Airmen are truly taken care of is making a difference.”
For his final words the chief added, “Make everyday count and do everything in your power to make it right. Take care of each other and get everyone home to their families safe and sound.”
| Date Taken: | 01.13.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.13.2011 07:35 |
| Story ID: | 63467 |
| Location: | CAMO VICTORY, IQ |
| Web Views: | 90 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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