Airmen enjoy breakfast with wing commander

  • Published
  • By Airman Samantha S. Crane
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Almost 20 Airmen representing each squadron on base enjoyed breakfast with the wing commander and command chief at the Wagon Wheel Dinging Facility Dec. 11.

"Today's the first of many meetings I hope to have with Airman across the base," said Col. James Browne, 366th Fighter Wing commander.

Each month, a group of airmen, junior non-commissioned officers or senior NCOs will have the opportunity to meet with the commander over breakfast.

Colonel Browne began the morning by talking about the upcoming holidays and the upcoming operational readiness inspection, which will take place next March.

The commander also explained why exercises are important even though they may not reflect deployments today.

"The chief of staff has a requirement for us to be able to get out of town as a wing in a short period of time," Colonel Browne said. "Each of us has a piece in that, and we need to have the skill set to do it.

"The same goes with chemical gear," he said. "We don't want to lose that capability to be able to survive and operate in a chemical or biological environment. As painful as it is, it's very important."

According to the colonel, his main concern is the recent grounding of the base's entire F-15 fleet and the continued grounding of the 390th Fighter Squadron's F-15C Eagles.

While the mission comes first, Colonel Browne also implored Airmen to enjoy themselves over the holidays while spending time with friends and family. Whether traveling or not, the base offers plenty to do.

"Go do things you've never done before," said Chief Master Sgt. Allen W. Niksich, 366th FW command chief. "Go ride that horse or go on a snowmobiling trip to Yellowstone. You may get done with it and decide never do it again, but I think there's a better chance you'll come back and say, 'that was pretty cool.'"

Chief Niksich also asked Airmen to consider attending an Airmen Committed to Excellence meeting to get more involved.

"You guys should be going to ACE meetings," he said. "If you're not getting the opportunity to go, talk to your supervisor. The people who go have a blast. They put on parties and have a good time. Most of you don't go to them and wonder why there's nothing to do; so I just ask you to take a look at that as well."

As the breakfast wrapped up, Chief Niksich assured Airmen wing leadership would continue to work toward a better quality of life on base.

"We are doing our best to take care of you," he said. "Sometimes you don't see it because you're working really hard, but we work just as hard to make sure we are taking care of you."

The commander ended the breakfast with his final remarks.

"I can't over emphasize how proud I am of what each and every one of you does," he said. "You are the future of the Air Force, and it's good to sit and chat with you."