An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Brig. Gen. Lessel kicks off Air Force 60th Anniversary speaker's symposium

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kali L. Gradishar
  • 92nd ARW Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Nearly 60 years ago, Congress enacted the National Security Act of 1947. Under this law a separate entity of the military was formed: the United States Air Force. 

"Since then we have gone through an abundance of change," said Brig. Gen. Erwin F. "Erv" Lessel, the Air Force Director of Communication and a former 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "We've expanded the scope of our Air Force." 

General Lessel visited Fairchild Wednesday to launch the 60th Anniversary Speakers' Symposium commemorating the separation of the Air Force into its own branch of the armed forces. 

The day began with an opportunity for Airmen from various squadrons throughout the wing to interact with General Lessel during breakfast at the Warrior Dining Facility.
"There is a key core common attribute of Airmen. All Airmen are about finding better ways to do things. They focus on mission performance, quality of life, taking better care of our families, understanding technology and finding ways to leverage it," he told the airmen during breakfast. 

As the Air Force Director of Communication, one of the most importance things about communication is listening, said the general. "I really treasure the opportunity to come out to the wing to be able to interact with our youngest Airmen, NCOs and officers." 

Following breakfast, General Lessel briefly toured the renovation of headquarters, the Expeditionary Airmen's Center of Excellence, and the base education center. 

"I've been most impressed by the Airmen and their focus on continuous improvement of operations, processes, and facilities. There were many initiatives we started years ago and I'm glad to see that they have come to fruition," the general recalled of his tour as the commander here. He was glad to see that the great Airmen who have been part of Team Fairchild over the past few years have continued to improve on Fairchild's great record of success, he said. 

General Lessel made his final stop at Club Fairchild to address an audience of over 100 made up of base and community members as the first speaker for Fairchild's 60th Anniversary Speaker's Symposium. 

"I'm very honored that Colonel Hanson would invite me back to Fairchild Air Force Base and the 92nd Air Refueling Wing to participate in this program. The 60th Anniversary of our Air Force is a historic time and Fairchild has an incredible, rich history," said the general. 

More Air Force senior leaders will be making their way to Fairchild to partake in the anniversary event. The final speaker will wrap up the symposium at the Air Force Ball in September.