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CMSAF gets up-close look at Fairchild's broad mission

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mackenzie Richardson
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody visited Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, to talk with Airmen about their role in executing the mission and see highlights of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, 141st Air Refueling Wing and the 336th Training Group May 2-3, 2016.

During the visit, Cody and his wife, retired Chief Master Sgt. Athena Cody, learned about the various missions at Fairchild and met with base agencies, including the Airman & Family Readiness Center, the Child Development Center, Michael Anderson Elementary School and the Base Chapel.

Cody also hosted an all call, toured the 92nd Maintenance Group and the 336th TRG Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape campus.

"Both Athena and I enjoyed spending time with our Airmen," Cody said. "The reason behind this visit is to look them in the eye and thank them for what they are doing every day."

During the wing all call, Cody went directly to a question and answer forum, hoping to provide insight to Airmen with questions about the future of the force, reenlistment, education and retirement options.

"We need to pay very close attention to make sure the value of that future retirement system is as good as it is today," Cody said. "And I do believe it can be."

Cody also visited the 92nd Maintenance Squadron periodic inspection dock, where Master Sgt. Eric Laflin, 141st ARW periodic inspection technician discussed "The Daily Flap," a maintenance tradition of writing an inspirational quote on the wing of the KC-135 Stratotanker. While at the maintenance squadron, Cody also answered questions, allowing the smaller group to discuss the importance of maintenance and the future of the career field.

"If you don't have maintenance, you don't have tankers in the air," Cody said. "If you don't have tankers in the air, we can't have an air presence globally any time of the day."

The 336th TRG concluded Cody's visit by providing a look into daily SERE operations with an accelerated version of their classroom course. Airmen from a variety of career fields attend the course before applying their classroom knowledge and skills to the outdoor assessment.

Before departing Fairchild, Cody emphasized the importance of remaining resilient, balanced and doing your best.

"Just do your best every day," Cody concluded. "That's all our Air Force can ask of you. It doesn't mean every day will be perfect. Some days you might be off beat a little, but if you do your best every day, your career will be successful, meaningful and impactful ... and you'll really make a significant difference in our Air Force."