Air Force chief of staff visits Cheyenne

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Torri Ingalsbe
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. (AFNS) --  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie spent July 22 and 23 here meeting with area Airmen and the Cheyenne community to celebrate Cheyenne Frontier Days

During the visit, the general visited members of the 153rd Airlift Wing of the Wyoming Air National Guard and their active associate unit, the 30th Airlift Squadron, in Cheyenne. Schwartz took the opportunity to address the Airmen stationed there during an all-call July 22, focusing his comments on teamwork, excellence and the total force.

"Individual excellence doesn't win championships, nor does it win wars," Schwartz said. "No one skill outweighs another. Success is determined by the team, or in our case, the total force."

The general and his wife ended their first day in Cheyenne at dinner with the Wyoming Governor Matthew Mead and his wife Carol.  Also in attendance were Maj. Gen. C. Donald Alston, the 20th Air Force commander, and his wife Ana; and Col. Christopher Coffelt, the 90th Missile Wing commander, and his wife Colleen.

"The men and women who serve in our military are the best in the world," said the governor during remarks before the dinner.

Schwartz donned a new hat, both figuratively and literally, July 23 as the grand marshal for the 115th Cheyenne Frontier Days parade. The general and his wife led the parade through downtown Cheyenne on horseback.

"Cheyenne Frontier Days is an opportunity for the base and local community to celebrate their rich, intertwined heritage that began over a century ago," Schwartz said.

Following the parade, the general and his wife spent time at the Mighty Ninety's Fort D. A. Russell Days, which depicts the base's roots with living historical reenactments, period-style dancing, home tours and many other events and displays.

Schwartz also attended the first day of the rodeo, where he rode in the grand entry and received a behind-the-chutes tour. He said his experience here was a career memory, and commended the community and 90th MW Airmen on their involvement.

"This base and this town have grown up together, sharing in each other's triumphs and challenges," Schwartz said. "I know Cheyenne and the Mighty Ninety will continue to cultivate this great relationship to respond to any future challenges, making this one of the best places to live, work and play."