Top AMC enlisted advisor braves brutal cold to express thanks

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. J. Paul Croxon
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Air Mobility Command's top chief master sergeant braved subzero temperatures Nov. 28 to visit the Warriors of the North and discuss the top issues effecting Airmen and thank them for their sacrifices.

During a breakfast with airmen Nov. 29, Chief Master Sgt. Joe Barron learned what was on the minds of airmen, which translates into what will be on the mind of the chief as he returns to Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

"The number one question airmen asked was regarding the availability of the cold weather gear associated with the ABU [airman battle uniform]," Chief Barron said. "I told them the ABU and associated uniforms will be increasingly available, but to remember the parka is authorized with the ABU and the mandatory wear date isn't until 2011."

According to Chief Barron, the acceptance and demand for the ABU exceeds what was experienced when the battle dress uniform was implemented.

Questions for the chief weren't limited to the breakfast table, and topics weren't limited to cold weather gear. Chief Barron also visited the Grand Forks AFB Airman Leadership School where future supervisors wanted to know when the operations tempo would decrease here.

According to Chief Barron, as the aircraft and the requisite support personnel leave, the number of missions we support will necessarily need to diminish, too. However, in regard to the overall tempo for the Air Force, chief cited the unique attributes of air mobility and mobility Airmen.

"Most people don't realize that, for more than 17 years, we've been doing the mobility business of delivering supplies and people and enabling global reach to combatant commanders," he said. "Our mobility Airmen are integral to that mission capability and the demand for air mobility is increasing."

Chief Barron attributes mission success and the increasing capabilities of the Air Force in light of diminishing manpower and resources to the innovation and resourcefulness of Airmen.

"Today's Airman is better educated, more mature and better trained than ever before. They're inquisitive, proud and aren't afraid to challenge the way things are done. Most leaders are listening to our Airmen because they know the ideas to make positive change are coming from our Airmen," he said.

The chief likens the Air Force to a puzzle and the pieces needed to complete the puzzle are the unique skill sets of Airmen. "If you hang the puzzle on the wall and one piece is missing it's obvious that something is wrong," he said.

It's thanking the Airmen who complete the puzzle and the families that sacrifice so Airmen can do the job that was the major priority for Chief Barron.

"I want to tell every Airman thanks," Chief Barron said, his sincerity showing as he shakes the hands of Airmen and looks them in the eyes. "Thanks for the sacrifices they and their families make every day. It is truly humbling to serve with such dedicated and selfless Americans."