Altus Air Force Base News

 

AETC commander, chief and company visit Mighty 97th

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kenneth W. Norman
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The commander and command chief master sergeant of Air Education and Training Command spent two days here last week to meet the people and learn the mission of the 97th Air Mobility Wing.

Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., AETC's commander, along with his wife, Mrs. Teresa Rice; and Chief Master Sgt. James Cody, spent April 21-22 visiting Altus Airmen and getting a feel for what life is like at Altus AFB.

During their visit, General Rice and Chief Cody spoke with Airmen from across the wing about their jobs to learn what goes on during the Mighty 97th's day-to-day operations.

"Altus Airmen do a great job at not only supporting the entire Air Force enterprise through the training here, but they do a great job at supporting the community and representing the United States Air Force and military to people at large, Chief Cody said."

During his time here, General Rice saw first-hand the people who make Altus' training production come to life.

"I see the statistics every day of what takes place here in terms of production. I also see the feedback we get from the field of the Airmen trained here, and it is outstanding," General Rice said. "With my own eyes, I have seen the quality of the training taking place here and the activities that support that training. I have been through the training program here, so I can personally attest to the fact that it is world-class."

As Chief Cody made his way around the squadrons here he spoke to Airmen about how important it is to be ready for any opportunity life throws at you.

"I am a big believer in doing the best you can at what your job is," Chief Cody said. "We need to be prepared for opportunity. You can't just wait for opportunity to come, and then think you have the luxury of time to make a decision of whether you want to take on that opportunity or not. We need our Airmen preparing themselves for opportunities. They need to be forward thinking, preparing themselves for all opportunities."

Mrs. Rice visited different areas of the base that support the quality of life for Airmen and their families, such as the Airman and Family Readiness Center, 97th Medical Group, Child Development Center, base housing and Outdoor Recreation.

Before departing, General Rice and Chief Cody held an all-call at the base theater, speaking to several hundred Airmen about issues such as disaster relief in Japan, deployment tempos and staying fiscally responsible during stressful financial times. They also answered questions from the Airmen.

"I look forward to coming back and spending more time with the Airmen here, as well as the members of the civilian community who are so important to the support that we receive," General Rice said.