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AMC commander views McConnell's mission

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  McConnell was on display as Air Mobility Command's four-star commander toured the base, Jan. 13 to 16, 2011.

Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., along with Chief Master Sgt. David Spector, Air Mobility Command command chief master sergeant, received and up-close look at the 22nd Air Refueling Wing's mission.

"The generals visit shows his interest and concerns about the mission we do at McConnell," said Master Sgt. Kevin Scheer, 22nd Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Flight flight chief. "He was a very "down to earth" person, who was very knowledgeable and sincere."

During his visit, General Johns was briefed by the McConnell Unified Support team, visited four refueling squadrons, toured the fitness center and explored the maintenance complex.

"I couldn't be prouder for a chance to share a day, to observe not only what you do but how well you do it," said General Johns. "McConnell's air refueling wing truly puts the 'Global' in 'Global Vigilance, Reach and Power;' you are playing a unique and critical role -- and you are hitting
the mark."

General Johns also toured McConnell's special operations air refueling facility getting to know Airmen and the SOAR mission.

"He was very knowledgeable about my job, and it surprised me when he asked a specific question related to communications," said Tech. Sgt. Freddie Harris, 22nd Operations Group SOAR NCOIC. "I was also coined by him, and I am very grateful for it."

However, the general was not only here to learn about McConnell's mission, but also to show Team McConnell how they fit into AMC's mission.

"I learned that we contribute more to the fight than I originally thought," said Sergeant Harris. "I enjoyed his explanations of how the KC-135 affects global vigilance, power and reach. His focus on supervision and the importance of knowing your people was good to hear."

Along with recognizing outstanding Airmen at an all call, he presented the base with the Meritorious Unit Award, an award given to units for their outstanding service in direct support of combat operations.

"At the end of the day, air mobility is about delivering hope, fueling the fight and saving lives," said General Johns. "You do all of that right here at McConnell - and you do it magnificently! It's an honor and privilege to get to spend some time with you."