News>CSAF thanks Wolf Pack for commitment to service during holidays
Photos
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz talks with 8th Fighter Wing first sergeants during breakfast Dec. 24, 2011, as part of his visit to Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. The general and his wife visited Kunsan AB during the holidays to spend time and spread holiday cheer to Airmen serving on a remote, one-year assignment on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Sonny Cohrs)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presents a holiday stocking to Senior Airman Jeremy Roberts, 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Dec. 24, 2011 at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. The general visited the dorms at Kunsan to see first-hand the quality of life and living conditions for Airmen stationed at Kunsan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Sonny Cohrs)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie talk with Staff Sgt. Trinity Hayes, 8th Maintenance Squadron, during a visit to the dormitories at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, Dec. 24, 2011. The couple visited the dorms at Kunsan to see first-hand the quality of life and living conditions for Airmen stationed at Kunsan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Sonny Cohrs)
Chief master sergeants and commanders from the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, enjoy a holiday party at the Loring Club Dec. 24, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Sonny Cohrs)
A KC-135 Stratotanker carrying Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz taxis to base operations at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, Dec. 23, 2011. The general and his wife visited Kunsan during the holidays to spend time and spread holiday cheer to Airmen serving on a remote, one-year assignment on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Omar Villarreal)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz greets Wolf Pack Airmen during his visit to Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 23-25, 2011. The general and his wife visited Kunsan during the holidays to spend time and spread holiday cheer to Airmen serving on a remote, one-year assignment on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Omar Villarreal)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie serve food at the dining facility during their visit to Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, Dec. 23-25, 2011. The couple visited the dorms at Kunsan to see first-hand the quality of life and living conditions for Airmen stationed at Kunsan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Omar Villarreal)
by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
12/28/2011 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz visited the Wolf Pack here Dec. 23-26 to meet with wing leaders, Airmen and Soldiers during the holiday season.
The general's base visit came after a stop in Seoul, where he met with senior Republic of Korea and U.S. military leaders.
"The American servicemembers serving here in South Korea are doing an outstanding job," Schwartz said. "They truly are representative of the United States' commitment to stability on the Korean peninsula, and to the freedom and security of our allies."
During his trip to Kunsan, Schwartz met with Airmen and Soldiers during workcenter visits around the base, and had candid discussions with many during a breakfast with first sergeants, and two separate lunches with Wolf Pack officers and first-term Airmen.
"The austere fiscal environment our country faces means we're going to face some challenges," Schwartz said, addressing the future state of the Air Force amid budget reductions. "The Air Force will have to make some serious choices because of this, but we are committed to preserving our readiness so that we remain a highly capable force."
Schwartz was also able to spread some holiday cheer at Kunsan, visiting Airmen processing the many care packages and cards at the Post Office, and by attending various unit holiday parties.
"It can be difficult to be away from family during the holidays, so I wanted to personally thank those serving here so far away from home," Schwartz said. "Our nation appreciates what our Airmen are doing at Kunsan and all around the world, and their important role in maintaining the peace."
On Dec. 25, Schwartz visited the many Airmen on duty at Kunsan, to include those guarding the base gates, managing airfield operations and maintaining the 8th Fighter Wing's F-16 Fighting Falcons. He also helped serve a special holiday dinner at the O'Malley Dining Facility.
"The high operations tempo can make Kunsan a tough place to serve, but the famous Wolf Pack esprit de corps is everywhere you look," Schwartz said. "I've been really impressed by the professionalism of the entire team."
Such dedication to the mission can be seen in the base's recent operational readiness inspection "Excellent" rating, Schwartz said.
"Kunsan Air Base is a shining example of the U.S. military's commitment to excellence," Schwartz said. "We're proud to serve alongside our South Korean allies, and I couldn't be more proud of those serving here today."
