CMSAF highlights warrior Airmen, Air Force focus areas

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Sean E. Cobb
  • Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) --  Airmen are fighting today's fight on fronts around the world for a more secure America and peace for future generations, the chief master sergeant of the Air Force told attendees at the Air Force Sergeant's Association Professional Airmen's Conference Aug. 26 in San Antonio.

The No. 1 enlisted Airman spoke to a standing-room only crowd of past and present total force Airmen, senior civilian and military Department of Defense leaders, legislative representatives and military and veterans' spouses on a range of topics from the current war on terrorism, the importance of Air Force core values, and taking care of Airmen and their families.

"This is going to be a long war," Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley said. "This is a war we need to fight as an away game, not on the streets of America. There are terrorists all over the world and they can't stand the freedoms we enjoy."

"This really comes down to the difference between love and hate," the chief said. "The terrorists hate our way of life and our freedoms, and they want to take it all away from us. We love our democracy, our diversity and the freedom to pursue our dreams. In the end, we will prevail."

To protect these freedoms, Airmen will do what it takes, even if it means stepping out of our core competencies. 

"When a combatant commander needs a job done, they don't first task another service and then give it to us if another service can't support," the chief said in reference to what are often mistakenly termed "in-lieu of" taskings.

"We don't call these taskings in-lieu-of missions anymore," he said. "If our nation needs us, we will answer the call no matter the duty. Our Airmen are incredible warriors and their battlefield contributions on the ground are just as important as those made in the air."

The services are working on terminology to describe joint force solutions better.

"This is a joint fight and we are all sworn to defend our nation, the American people and our homeland," Chief McKinley said. "The most efficient and effective way for us to do this is to partner with our joint services and coalition team."

No one should ever doubt the resolve of America's Airmen, Chief McKinley said. 

"We are in harm's way. We have dangerous jobs," he said. "That means each and every one of us has to be on top of our game and remain focused on the basics -- doing everything right the first time -- that's our way."

During his recent visits to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the dedication and commitment of Airmen warriors is readily apparent, Chief McKinley said. 

"At this very moment, we have an Airman at Walter Reed recovering from the amputation of both legs as well as other injuries," the chief said. "We have another Airman undergoing facial reconstruction and the loss of fingers. Their spouses stand by their bedside day after day. These Airmen and their families have maintained a positive attitude throughout their ordeal and serve as an inspiration to us all."

No matter the dangers, no matter the challenges, the Air Force is an outstanding fighting force, the chief said. 

"Every Airman should be proud," he said. "We are the most powerful Air Force in the world and we will defeat any enemy who makes the mistake of doubting our capabilities."

While highlighting the Air Force commitment to today's fight, the chief also emphasized the force is reinvigorating its efforts in nuclear enterprise and will continue to ramp up quality of life, Airmen development and family care initiatives.

"We must take care of those who secure the home front and provide the support necessary for us to do our jobs -- our families," Chief McKinley said.

The chief specifically mentioned recent gains and ongoing efforts to have states offer full in-state tuition to dependents, assist in spousal employment, unemployment compensation and honor high school credits earned from other states when families accomplish a permanent change of station move. 

"It's not fair for Air Force family members to be penalized for an Airman's service to their nation," he said.

Chief McKinley called attention to the conference theme -- The Total Air Force: Heritage, Honor, Valor, Vision -- and wrapped up with a charge to continue Air Force improvement efforts. "It's going to take all of us -- the entire force -- with a combination of these four principles, to get us where we want to go as an Air Force. Let's roll up our sleeves and get to it!"

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