SecAF visits Mountain Home

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica H. Smith
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho (AFNS) --  Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James visited here Feb. 18, to experience the base firsthand and meet the service members dedicated to making it run efficiently.

Superior performers from many career fields were given the opportunity to meet James and discuss the responsibilities they have in their daily jobs.

She also attended the annual awards ceremony as the guest speaker to give encouraging words to Airmen of all ranks.

Winners and nominees alike were recognized by James.

"We should all strive to match their example," she said, "Whether it's donating a few hours serving as a tutor, or cleaning up a highway, or volunteering for Airmen Against Drunk Driving."

James expressed that this is the essence of the Air Forces core value of service before self. She went on to express the importance of adhering to all three of the core values.

"The Air Force wants experts in their field -- people who have passion, people who have dedication, people who will be devoted to the duty, no matter what that duty may be," she added.

She reminded Airmen that the American people depend on them to provide airpower across the globe wherever and whenever it's needed, no matter what career field they're in.

"We need to focus on our primary duty, become excellent, be passionate about it," James said. “In order to be the best we can, we have to realize the importance of wingmanship.

"All of us have our wingmen who help us accomplish the mission, because no one ever succeeds alone."
She issued a challenge for Airmen to reach out to those who've helped them become the Airmen they are, and to thank them for the mentorship.

"Each person in this room, on this base and across our Air Force has a vital role to play in our nation's defense," she said.

James paid tribute to the Gunfighter team -- ending the night by quoting the base motto, "Never forget - audentes fortuna juvat -- fortune favors the bold."