CSAF to Airmen: Everyone is important

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates
  • Defense Media Activity-San Antonio
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) --  The Air Force's top officer had one message for Airmen during a town hall meeting here Feb. 20: Every Airman is important.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said all Airmen are integral to the service's success and no job or no one is more important than another.

"I think the fundamental thing is that everybody counts," he said. "No one, no job, no specialty is more important than any other. Everyone matters and everyone is an important part of this team."

Fighting two wars is not easy, he added, but today's Airmen are helping the joint team succeed with the full range of capabilities the Air Force has to offer.

"Our folks who are downrange are supporting the mission, they're doing it well and they should be proud of that," General Schwartz said.

Still, just because someone is not on the front lines does not mean he or she is not contributing to the fight.

"Do not measure your worth by your proximity to the fight," he said.

The general also said Airmen have a special duty to serve their country to the best of their ability.

"We have an obligation to serve our nation with honor and perform exceptionally," General Schwartz said. "We should also recognize we are doing something special when we serve our country."

Service, the general said, presents every Airmen with limitless possibilities.

"The Air Force is a magnificent institution," he said. "Anything is possible and anyone can go as far as they want to."

Yet, according to the general, the Air Force's evaluation system, for both enlisted and officers, needs revamping.

"Not everyone is a five," General Schwartz said. "We need to be honest with ourselves and we need to be authentic how we rate each other."

Ultimately, the general said he is impressed with today's Airmen and is excited to meet tomorrow's challenges with them.

"The United States Air Force is 'all in' and whatever is required of us as the nation's air force we will do and we will do it well," he said. "I value your work, your service and your sacrifices and I am working tirelessly to continually improve our Air Force."

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