Top enlisted AF Airman visits Reserve wing

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Daniel Butterfield
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody made his first visit to the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing during the March 2015 unit training assembly. During the trip he was the guest speaker for the wing's annual awards dinner, hosted an enlisted call and toured work centers to meet with as many Airmen as possible.

Cody repeatedly commented on how important it is for him to meet with Airmen and to find out what is on their minds, both in small groups and large venues, such as his enlisted call. He even made himself available to meet with Airmen one-on-one after the Sunday enlisted call.

"I would have to say that Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Cody was very impressed with our 302nd Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Otis Jones, 302nd Airlift Wing Command Chief. "It was very evident that our Airmen were truly passionate about the mission and it showed in their camaraderie during the awards banquet."

Besides gauging what was important to the individual Airman, Cody stressed the importance of all the components of the Air Force:  Active Duty, Reserve, Air National Guard and civilians.

"We are one Air Force. It takes all of our components to come together to prosecute and execute air power globally. We do that. We've been doing that for a long time, certainly 20 plus years," said Cody. "At the end of the day it is about preserving capability for the nation."

One of the challenges of current Air Force leadership is to make sure the mission is accomplished, even with the smallest Air Force since 1947.

To accomplish this, leaders are analyzing mission areas and platforms to determine the right combination and most efficient way to leverage the Air Force components. "Obviously you want as much mission that makes sense into the Reserve components. That will save us money," said Cody.

"I believe this visit helped to solidify the importance of the Reserve presence, showing that we are an integral part of overall strategy," said Jones. "After all, it is not every day that a Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force visits a reserve wing.  Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Cody has made it his mission to remind us all of our importance."

At the end of the tour of the wing, Cody went on to thank the Airmen for the great hospitality and for what they do every day.

"What really makes an impression on me is seeing our Airmen in action," said Cody. "It's inspiring to see that level of enthusiasm, their expertise at what they do, and the pride they have when they accomplish the mission."