CSAF visits MHAFB

  • Published
  • By Airmen 1st Class Malissa Lott
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE, Idaho --  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III visited Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho May 1-2.

The highest ranking Air Force officer last visited MHAFB Jan. 10, 1974, 40 years ago.

"We were honored to host General and Mrs. Welsh here at Mountain Home," said Col. Dave Iverson, 366th Fighter Wing commander. "It was an outstanding chance to share the stories of our Gunfighters - active duty, guard, reserve and civilian - and to discuss the many challenges and opportunities facing our Air Force."

Airmen had the opportunity to interact with Welsh during all calls on both days.

"It's important to ask questions regarding the future of the Air Force because we as Airmen are concerned with what we will inherit as we grow in rank and responsibility," said Airman 1st Class Anthony Young, 366th Component Maintenance Squadron Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory technician.

The all calls were centered on force reductions, sexual assaults and the state of the Air Force in general.

"The interaction between our Chief of Staff and Airmen helps to strengthen and empower the team," said Iverson. "It was a unique opportunity to freely ask the Chief of Staff questions about the future of our Air Force and to learn from an inspiring leader."

Having the opportunity to ask the Chief of Staff questions isn't a normal occurrence for MHAFB Airmen.

"It was a great opportunity for Airmen to meet and ask questions directly with the highest ranking officer in the Air Force," said Young. "Asking the General questions about the Air Force, the future of Mountain Home Air Force Base and the ongoing battle with sexual assault was a very educational experience."

Welsh reiterated how important every Airman is to the Air Force mission.

"What I took away more than anything else was that he, as an individual, cared for each and every member serving under him," said Airman 1st Class Zackary McGrew, 366th Comptroller customer service technician. "It's important for those at the top to be able to relate to all Airmen."

Welsh made sure that the Airmen received an answer to all questions.

"Gen. Welsh gave a great speech regarding the current state of the Air Force," said Senior Airmen Dilip Pradhan, 366th Comptroller separations/retirements technician. "This helps us all relate to the issues that matter to us, whether it's personnel issues, operations or our future mission in the defense of the nation."

Welsh emphasized that without the Airmen accomplishing their tasks, the Air Force will not succeed.

"His visit provided great inspiration and moral support for the Gunfighters in the current force-shaping situation," said Pradhan. "I was glad to see that even at the highest levels of the Air Force, our leadership is not only listening to our concerns, but working to resolve them."