Chief Roy visits White House Communications Agency

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JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. (AFNS) --  Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy visited the men and women of the White House Communications Agency recently.

A joint agency, WHCA officials provide secure and nonsecure telecommunications and audio visual support to the president, the vice president, the U.S. Secret Service and other select customers.

During the visit, Chief Roy toured the WHCA headquarters, visited with the 750-plus joint service members and held an "all hands," touching on Air Force issues and concerns.

Chief Roy discussed the importance of jointness and thinking outside of one's individual service culture when assigned to joint agencies.

"We need leaders and communicators (who) can think about the big picture and look past their service and do what is best for the organization and the Department of Defense," he said.

The chief also stressed the need for building resiliency among Airmen and their families.

"Leaders need to be involved and know their Airmen and their families," he said. "Each life is important, and (we) want all of our Airmen to not just survive, but thrive."

Before he departed, Chief Roy commended the men and women of the WHCA for an outstanding tour and for introducing him to their complex and fascinating mission.

"I truly did not understand how close our Airmen work with the executive office of the president and the tremendous responsibility they carry out on a daily basis to ensure the president is successful in his role as commander in chief," he said. "I want to thank the joint team for inviting me to WHCA for a meet and greet and to thank all the family members supporting our service members. This is a true example of (a) purple environment."