Chief McKinley testifies before Congress

  • Published
SAN ANTONIO (AFNEWS) --  Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley spoke to the House Appropriations Committee's quality of life and veterans' affairs subcommittee Feb. 9 in Washington, D.C.

Chief McKinley spoke about training and quality of life initiatives in the Air Force.

"America's Airmen know what it means to be at war. Our Airmen have been continuously and globally engaged in combat and contingency operations for nearly 17 years," he said. "Therefore, we're striving to do more to develop and care for our Airmen. Knowledge and innovation are inherent to our Air Force heritage and service culture, so we're particularly focused on training and education."

Chief McKinley specifically addressed the impact of war on Air Force families.

"We also strongly advocate education and employment initiatives specifically targeted to mitigate some of the economic disadvantages our military families currently face," Chief McKinley said. "We are eager to work with Congress and the states to find solutions. Our Airmen and our fellow servicemembers should never have to choose between caring for their families and serving their country."

The Air Force's top enlisted Airman also told the subcommittee the Air Force is looking toward the future.

"To successfully meet the future challenges, maintain our advantages and maximize results, we must ensure they have the best equipment, facilities and resources available," Chief McKinley said. "With your continued support, I'm confident in our success in maintaining our nation's global vigilance, global reach and global power advantages -- America's edge."

To read more about Chief McKinley's Congressional address, visit the Web library on Air Force Link and click on "Speeches."

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