Maybe it was Uncle Joe or Aunt Grace. Maybe it was just dad’s old Air Force buddy or mom’s best girlfriend.

Everybody seems to have somebody who whizzes into their lives much too infrequently, makes them laugh, has them talking about anything in a matter of seconds, leaves too soon and always leaves them with great memories to talk about.

Gen. William T. “Tom” Hobbins, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, left Airmen here basking in the afterglow of his energy and had some asking themselves why he had to leave so soon.

There were no tactical rollups, budget debriefs, crisis overviews or security policy workgroups on his Dec. 27 schedule.

The general, who has been the USAFE commander for just a few weeks arrived in the spirit of the holidays and to meet and inspire his Airmen and anybody else he could get hold of.

“Hey, come here,” the general repeatedly asked photographers. “I want to meet this guy, this gal; they are all heroes.”

No matter what command or country the troops were from, the general didn’t hesitate to make the first move when it came to introductions. His smile and outstretched hand worked together, sending a message loud and clear:

“Hey, come here. I’m proud of what you’re doing and want to tell you that face to face,” he said more than once.

When the general arrived at a location, there was no doubt who was in control. The escorts could step aside and relax.

At dinner with a group of Airmen, the general made time for everyone -- chatting until they all shared a smile. Then he’d move down a few chairs and start a conversation as if revisiting old friends.

General Hobbins put Airmen at ease. And then he quickly and deliberately searched for problems, peeves and possibilities for improvement in his command.

“I’m not telling you that everything you don’t like is a problem I’m going to solve,” he said. “But I’ll know about them.”

Staff Sgt. Caroline Parker said, “I’ve never met a ‘four-star’ before. I can’t believe how friendly and nice he is. I can’t wait to get back to Ramstein (Air Base, Germany) to work for him.”

Sergeant Parker, who is with the 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, also enjoyed her acting debut. She and about two dozen fellow Airmen joined General Hobbins to tape an American Forces Network television spot that highlights the accomplishments of Ali Base Airmen.

Shot on location behind the squadron’s area control center -- which controls 50,000 square miles of airspace in southern Iraq -- the spot ends with the cast enthusiastically joining the general as they affirm in unison: “Flying, Fighting, Winning!”

And win was what the general’s band accomplished, too.

Introduced by General Hobbins as an extension of his desire to spread inspiration and gratitude, the USAFE Touch and Go band had the crowd be bopping and swinging by the end of their afternoon performance.

The general joined the groove section center stage, dancing with more than two dozen Airmen, swinging around and giving somebody a twist or two.

During the six-hour visit, General Hobbins introduced himself. He left Airmen with the impression that he’s looking forward to their return home, and that he is proud of what they’ve accomplished.