FRONT & CENTER: 2010: a year of many achievements for the wing

  • Published
  • By Col. Jack H. Pittman, Jr.
  • 302nd Airlift Wing commander
As this year draws to a close and I think about all we've accomplished during the last 12 months, I can't help but be extremely proud of the many outstanding achievements throughout this great Wing.

Each unit within the 302nd has made significant and important contributions to maintain our overall readiness and at the same time, each continues to provide vital support to our nation's defense. While each individual unit's mission is distinctly unique, attitude, professionalism and dedication is a common bond throughout the Wing.

A few examples of the Wing's many notable achievements from 2010 include the Wing's support of humanitarian relief missions to Haiti, support to the Royal Thai Air Force's MAFFS training program, success in mission capability due to the outstanding efforts and skill of our aircraft maintainers, the Wing's continued progress with the association of the Active Duty's 52nd Airlift Squadron in operations, maintenance and aerial port, the Wing's ability to effectively prepare and deploy C-130s and personnel in support of overseas contingency operations, the Air Force Reserve Command's recognition of a number of our units to include the 302nd Logistics Readiness Squadron as well as the numerous individuals from throughout the Wing who received Air Force Reserve Command-level recognition for excellence in their career fields. Again, these are only a few of the many successes we've achieved.

We hosted dozens of civic leaders and several distinguished visitors on tours of our facilities throughout 2010, sharing our mission and messages of Citizen Airmen providing superior global reach with those important and influential audiences. Our high operations tempo and great level of success is only possible because of what you bring to the mission and because of all you give -- the sharing of your talents and your dedication to duty are key to our success. My thanks go out to you, to your supportive families and also to your civilian employers who are partners and are critical to our ability to perform our mission.

The end of another year also brings the holiday season which is a time for celebration and relaxation with family and friends. Please keep safety in mind and remember to be a responsible and caring Wingman to those around you. This year, many of our 302nd AW members will be away from their families, supporting deployments around the world. Please remember our military family and their loved ones who are unable to enjoy the holidays together at home.

May you and your family have a safe and happy holiday season and my best wishes to all in the new year!