MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Wing – 2020 has been a heckuva year! We’ve had a short notice weather evacuation for most of our fleet, fought through disease, very sadly experienced tragic death and were notified we were the Secretary of the Air Force’s first choice for a new and very important training mission. We also experienced several retirements of long-time and beloved members, welcomed dozens of new outstanding wingman, promoted hundreds and appointed several new commanders and other key leaders in the Wing. Despite our many challenges, we’ve had a tremendous year because of our most valuable resource – YOU. Because of the efforts of each and every one of you, the 908th has led the way on how to accomplish the mission through the difficult challenges that we face.
For several years our top priorities have been enhancing our combat capability and developing our Airmen. By the time we got to March this past year, I had made the health and wellbeing of our Airmen and their families our number one priority. Often times I was faced with having to put your health and wellbeing ahead of executing the mission, your training, and sometimes even being in a pay status. At the same time, our country requires that we be ready to execute our very important missions regardless of the challenges we are facing. You, the Airmen of the 908th Airlift Wing, are always what I think of first. The leadership team continues to work hard every day to ensure everyone has the same opportunity to compete and succeed while respecting everyone. We will always strive to make sure the playing field is level for ALL!
As challenging as 2020 was, 2021 looks to present some tough challenges of its own. COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly within homes and communities throughout the country, which, understandably, may be cause for great concern. Also, we will execute the largest deployment in the history of our Wing this upcoming year and it’s going to require maximum effort from each and every one of us.
At the same time we are conducting deployment operations, a small team will begin preparing for the years of work required to remission our Wing to the first MH-139 Formal Training Unit. All of you have the personal promise from Lieutenant General Scobee, Major General Healy and myself that as the Wing evolves you will have a place in it or we will help you find a soft place to land in another AFRC organization.
So, with all of that said, take as much leave as you can the next several weeks. Enjoy the season with your families, rest up and be ready to sprint for most of next year. I was very disappointed to not be able to visit with many of you at your wonderful Christmas parties. Please know that all of the Wing Staff and my family wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!