AETC Command Chief visits Altus AFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Klynne Pearl Serrano
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Chief Master Sgt. James Cody, command chief of Air Education and Training Command, and Mrs. Athena Cody visited Altus AFB, Sept. 10, 2011.

During his visit Cody spoke with Airmen, toured various squadrons, and attended a Hearts Apart dinner.

"The purpose of this visit is to be out in the wings with our Airmen, receiving feedback from them on how things are going in [their squadrons] and in this wing so we can take the feedback that they have and bring it back to the command," Cody said. "We do this to make sure we're not missing the target on how we support the wings' mission."

Cody shared the importance of taking advantage of opportunities provided by the Air Force at an Airmen's Call at the Freedom Community Center.

"A lot of [Airmen] have different reasons for joining our Air Force," Cody said. "Many of them have educational goals and others have the aspiration of service. I recommend that they do not lose sight of those goals and to take advantage of the opportunities our Air Force has for them today."

During the Airmen's Call, Airmen had the opportunity to interact with Chief Cody and share their ideas as well.

"The innovation that each one of them shows is going to be critical not only to continue the mission today, but certainly in the future," Cody said.

NCO's and Senior NCO's also had All Calls with Cody where he shared vital information regarding having healthy professional relationships with the Airmen they lead.

"It is extremely important that we think about and build our relationships in a way that fosters mutual respect," Cody said. "We need to care about each other in ways that create a resilient community; this is foundational to how we maintain a strong Air Force."

Chief Cody and Mrs. Cody also interacted with base leaders, their spouses and deployed families.

"I really appreciate the opportunity to be out here and visit with the Airmen and their families," Cody said. "It's a great community. For my wife, Athena, and I it's always a privilege to be able to spend time with our Airmen."