An MQ-9 Reaper sits on the flight line at Hurlburt Field, Fla., May 3, 2014.The MQ-9 Reaper is an armed, multi-mission, medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft that is employed primarily as an intelligence-collection asset and secondarily against dynamic execution targets. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Staff Sgt. John Bainter)

Commentaries

Outgoing command chief bids farewell to wing

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Tom Mason
  • 919th Special Operations Wing Command Chief
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  Team, for 23 years I've had the pleasure of being part of the greatest group of warriors in the Air Force Reserve today.  It has been a tremendous privilege and honor to serve beside you as a fellow Airman.  To capitalize my years of service with representing this wing as the command chief for the past two and a half years is an additional honor I never dreamt was possible. 

As quiet professionals, you have made an impact on the future of this country and your deeds will forever be part of the fabric of this great nation.  Very few will ever know how much you've done or recognize you for the effort you continually display as today's Citizen Air Commandos.  You have every reason to be proud of who you are and what you do.  Each of you has provided one more Airman in the defense of this nation and without you it all fails. 

As the mission of "providing for the common defense" changes for the Reserve forces, future unforeseen challenges will require dedication few before you have been asked to meet.  Remember, you have been successful because you have stuck by your values to take care of each other, to take care of family, to "find a way to get it done" and to recognize when you have exceeded your limitations and been willing to step back and identify it. 

One of your greatest strengths is your experience and ability to recognize when something is wrong, then stand up and say, "This is stupid." Never be afraid to use your voice!  I have no doubt you will be successful in adjusting to the changes and meeting the challenges of the future and look forward to watching you prosper.

I will never forget the years spent cranking wrenches on A-model gunships, sweating through airdrops, FARPs (forward area refueling points), infil/exfil and standing tall representing you as the wing command chief.  I've deployed with you, exercised with you, worked beside you, worked for you, shared in your successes and experienced many failures. 

I've come through unscathed from many missions I thought might not go the way we planned.  I have made more friends than I can ever keep track of and lost a few along the way as well.  I've had some great TDYs and many a great time hanging out with you.  There have been bumps, bruises, scrapes and fights, but in the end nobody has had it better than me while I've been with you.  You will always be in my heart and I will never forget my time with you.

Thank you all for a wonderful ride, I finish my career as one of the most blessed individuals in the Air Force and for that I am forever grateful to all of you.

My heartfelt thanks and best to all of you.