U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION JOINT RESERVE BASE FORT WORTH, Texas -- It seems like I was just submitting my article for the December Fighterline and getting ready for the holidays. January was the longest, we blinked and February disappeared, now here we are in mid-March.
There were a lot of happenings across the 301st Fighter Wing in the first quarter: we celebrated our annual award winners, ACS is upon us, the F-35A public hearing just completed, the Military Professional of the Year is coming, the 301 FW Commander Col. Mitch Hanson and I are moving on, and you are still advancing the wing priorities and crushing it! COVID-19 [or Corona Virus Disease – 2019] is also a trending topic, as is the lack of hand sanitizer and toilet paper in the stores.
It also seems like I was just completing my ‘100 days’ in the seat article. The past 2+ years have zipped by! What a ride it has been...but even the best rides end. I have been in the wing for more than 10 years, have built a lot of relationships, and thoroughly enjoyed working with the finest cadre of warriors I have ever met. Air Reserve Technicians, Traditional Reservists, Active Guard Reserve Airmen, civilians, and Active Duty Airmen do amazing things every day! There have been some very challenging moments, and a lot of victories. All of the 301st Fighter Wing success is because of your dedication, professionalism, and can-do attitude. Col. Hanson has assembled the very best senior leaders and they have helped us navigate every opportunity and have provided a solid vision for the future. I know the new commander and command chief will continue to champion for you and sustain the mighty 301st as THE flagship in Air Force Reserve Command. I could not be more humbled, grateful, or thankful to have worked beside you and served as your command chief for the past 28 months.
As I move to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., to be their command chief, I will still be available to mentor or lend an empathetic ear to the Airmen of this wing. Stay engaged with your career, develop your Airmen, and make mindfulness and connectedness a priority in your daily routines. Thank you again for everything! Be safe, be smart, and continue to be great wingmen.
CMSgt S.