Mobility general visits Airmen in Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  The Air Mobility Command vice commander visited Airmen at an air base in Southwest Asia as part of a visit through the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Feb. 10 and 11.

Lt. Gen. Vern M. "Rusty" Findley II also toured air mobility assets at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing including KC-10 Extenders of the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron populated by Airmen from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

There are also numerous AMC Airmen serving in support positions throughout the wing in security forces, force support, public affairs, aircraft maintenance and more. In addition to Travis AFB and JB McGuire, deployed AMC Airmen in the 380th AEW come from Scott AFB, Ill., Pope AFB, N.C., McChord AFB, Wash., and Charleston AFB, S.C.

In General Findley's visit, he met Brig. Gen. Bryan J. Benson, the 380th AEW commander, Col. Kip Turain, the 380th AEW vice commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Suzan Sangster, the wing's command chief, along with several group and squadron commanders.

General Findley held a breakfast for mobility Airmen deployed to the 380th AEW and reminded the Airmen on the importance of their support for the deployed mission.

"Today, the number is 3,075," said General Findley, referring to the number of days since Sept. 11, 2001. "The work that you're doing over here has ensured, I'm sure of it, that we haven't had another attack on American soil since 9/11."

He also thanked the 380th AEW Airmen for their continued support for the mission.

"My thanks go to you for the great effort that you put forth here," General Findley said. "I don't think there is any question how important your work is here. You are making a difference."

General Findley also discussed three words that he wanted the Airmen to remember: pride, professionalism and passion. With pride, he said to be "proud in standing up for our great Air Force and for what we bring to the fight."

In discussing professionalism, he said the Air Force's "professionalism is unmatched" and for passion he encouraged Airmen to always put forth passion in "everything you do."

General Findley saw firsthand the Airmen in the 380th Expeditionary Maintenance Group and 908th EARS and looked through deployed operations for the KC-10 combat mission.

In addressing Airmen throughout his visit, General Findley reminded them of the nobility of their cause.

"There is nothing more noble than being part of something bigger than yourself," General Findley said about serving in the Air Force and the military. "You should be very proud of that and never forget how important that is."