SECAF thanks Airmen for their service, dedication

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ruth Curfman
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne stopped to talk with deployed Airmen during a luncheon and Airmen's call held at Balad Air Base Feb. 2.

During his visit, Secretary Wynne discussed topics including in-lieu-of taskings, the medical miracles of Iraq and current and future changes on the horizon for basic training.

"There are a lot of changes going on and it's all about innovation and imagination to meet the challenges of the job. It's incredible," Secretary Wynne said.  

One of the ways Airmen are excelling in challenges is through ILO taskings. 

"I always say that the reason we have problems with the in-lieu-of for ground force taskings is that when Airmen take that mission, they do it so well that we have a hard time convincing our Army colleagues that they shouldn't have Airmen doing that," Secretary Wynne said. "I say they should give our Airmen back to our Air Force and do it themselves. But the Army says, 'no, actually you guys have brought such innovation and imagination that we'd like you to send us another (Airman) because we think you will extend it.' That's what we do, we come in, we spend the time on the job and try to leave it better off for the person who comes in behind us. We make sure they are as equipped and proud to do the job as we were."

Another facet of Airmen excelling alongside the Army is in the medical realm. 

"The miracle of Iraq is the medicine and the air evac missions," Secretary Wynne said, when visiting the Air Force Theater Hospital here. "It is a profound change that we have brought to medicine throughout the United States. You come away (from here) just totally impressed with what they do. It's amazing to see the compassion they bring to a tough area and a tough fight. Whether it is U.S., coalition or Iraqi, civilians or military (hospital personnel provide) the same level of care, same level of compassion. There's never a doubt that patients receive the most excellent care available here."

In addition to the ILO and medical enhancements, the secretary also said that Air Force basic training is going through an improvement process as well.

"We are in the process of expanding basic training in many different areas," he said. "We are now issuing new Airmen weapons in basic training and we intend to start focusing more time on first aid because we feel these are important aspects every Airman should be knowledgeable in."

The secretary ended his visit by thanking all Airmen for their service and what they bring to the fight. 

"We are still the best Air Force in the world and you are the core of it," the secretary said. "I want to thank you for that because it allows me to brag about you. The value you add to the lore, the mission and the future of our Air Force is beyond all expectation."

The secretary also discussed the proud heritage of both the Tuskegee Airmen and the 61-year legacy of the U.S. Air Force with 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen who are following the examples that their predecessors set and continuing the legend of the Airmen who served before them.

"The Tuskegee Airmen heritage is absolutely amazing and being here, I see the pride of being an Airman is still with us," he said. "The pride in what we do as Airmen continues to make the Air Force stronger and better every day, and for that, your country and I thank you for everything you continue to do, day in and day out. We are proud of all of you." 

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