Let’s just say this…
I’ve learned more about myself in the last 3 days than the last 30 years. It was humbling, terrifying, and strengthening – and I’m better for it. I’ve learned stopping the stigma starts with me.
#WarriorHeart
I am sorry to miss out on the A/TA conference, but I tested positive for COVID. Fortunately, my being vaccinated likely resulted in very minor symptoms and I am still able to focus on the mission. Can’t stress enough the need to get vaccinated.
Today, I’m thankful for a proud heritage of service. The defense of freedom comes at a cost, but it also comes with the love, respect and trust of those you serve.
Honored to receive the Order of the Sword invitation. This will be the one thing that remains on my wall long after I take off the uniform. You, the enlisted force, are THE magic that makes the Air Force run, and I am incredibly humbled and grateful to be your wingman.
Today, Gen. Minihan was officially invited to the Order of the Sword induction ceremony! “You all work harder than me, my job is to serve you-the fact that you took the time to make this statement, I’m incredibly humbled.” This is the highest honor the enlisted force can bestow.
Beyond humbled. My father, Lt Gen Minihan, also received the Order of the Sword and now, almost 25 years after he retired, it is the only military award he still displays. I will hold it in the same regard!
Well deserved, Sir! CMSgt Newman surprised Gen. Minihan at the
@AirliftTanker
conference by announcing he would receive the prestigious Order of the Sword this Spring. It's the highest honor the enlisted force bestows on respected leaders who make revolutionary impacts on Airmen.
After a 24-hour C-17 flight to
@KadenaAirBase
, Chief and I are excited to begin our tour of
#MG23
! The 733 Air Mobility Sq was an outstanding place to start—there is no shortage of creative thinking, teamwork, & innovation here!
Today we honor the life of Col Zach Hall, who left the legacy of a giant heart and a deep care for Airmen and mission.
Please lift up the Hall Family with all your love.
What does courage and bravery look like?
It's in the faces of these highly decorated OAR heroes. I was honored to present overdue DFCs and BSMs to 17
#MobilityWarriors
at
@jointbasemdl
. To include the first DFC presented in
@AirMobilityCmd
to AE and Flying Crew Chiefs!
New Year. New Goals.
‘22=Quit Alcohol✅
‘23=Quit Caffeine✅
2 for ‘24:
1-Leave 0 in the tank. Rest up
#Warriors
, we're attacking ‘24 head on!
#Stamina
2-Leave the AF the same weight I entered. Benefits from my past
#resolutions
help, but it won’t be easy.
#WarriorHeart
I’m spending an inspiring day w/future
#Airmen
during a
#BlackHistoryMonth
aviation heritage event which aims to honor the past, develop the present & promote the future.
Let’s Go!
When asked for my blueprint of an
#Airman
, I say: Do your job.
If you fly, fly well. If you fix, fix well. If you support, support well.
Blueprint over.
As we move into the 4th of July, it is only right to honor our Airmen who worked relentlessly to become citizens of this country. It was an honor to lead you in your oath of allegiance today.
Congratulations on your selection for commissioning, MSgt Dougherty! Chief and I—and the Airmen you’ll continue to lead—expect great things from you. Let’s Go!
@MacDill_AFB
Congratulations to you and your family on your retirement, Tally! Thanks for LEADING the way and inspiring so many others who took the path you blazed.
As we head into the New Year, I am in awe of the warriors of this command. Our enemies can have all the ammo and bombs, but they'll never have the amazing
#Airmen
we have. You are our edge; our secret weapon is YOU.
Inspiring! One of two AEW A-Staffs participating in
#MG23
deployed to
#Guam
for their
#AFFORGEN
certifying event. These warriors are solving problems, building strong teams and learning for the future. Check out more here…
What a powerful day to honor heroes!
It’s been 17 mos since our
#MobilityWarriors
displayed selfless duty. To the warriors & families whose pride has always swelled for you, who instantly recognize their heroism & valor, this recognition is long overdue.
I just got a powerful note from a Patriot who sought mental health support, but is now dealing with the stigma of seeking help.
This isn’t complicated - it’s about leaders embracing
#Warriors
. We’re moving fast, but we must still care for our
#Airmen
.
#WarriorHeart
Every warrior recognized in these photos made huge sacrifices during Operation Allies Refuge - you deserve these awards. I could not be prouder to be your wingman.
#LetsGo
"The KC-46A can now support nearly 70 percent of all receiver aircraft that request air refueling support from
@US_TRANSCOM
."
Every day,
@AirMobilityCmd
#Airmen
are getting after it, becoming experts on the platform, and exceeding every expectation.
Mobility Airmen, your ability to operate in any environment is crucial to our nation’s defense.
During
#MG23
, you operated at the exact tempo needed, and I thank you for that.
Lead without fear.
Your chance to make a positive impact as a squadron commander goes by in the blink of an eye. Make it count.
@usairforce
@AirMobilityCmd
.
@VATF1
&
@LACOFD
search-and-rescue crews are in the air and will soon join the rest of our
@USAID
disaster team in
#T
ürkiye. This is their 20th deployment with us overseas, including earthquake responses in Haiti, Nepal, & Mexico. They’re ready to save lives again.
I'm impressed by
#Airmen
like SSgt Tyler Gruber from
@LRAFB
. He responded to a generator fire on a mobile maintenance truck, moving the vehicle away from the fuel yard & extinguishing the fire. His response prevented the fire from spreading to nearby fuel trucks & causing damage.
I had the privilege of promoting this leader, through the STEP program after he pulled the night shift.
TSgt Olney, as an NCO you are an example of the magic, where mission and people collide. Lead with honor!
I can’t think of a better exclamation point to a wonderful week, coming off Memorial Day…to honor a great
@usairforce
family with generations of patriotism.
Lt Gen Randall Reed is a player’s coach with a clear eye on what’s important. Welcome to the
@AirMobilityCmd
family.
521st AMOW Airmen exemplify what it means to leverage global mobility posture.
With operating locations across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, these logistics professionals keep strategic airlift missions moving and are critical to the network connecting us to the fight.
Missions are meaningless without partnership, and JBLM epitomizes that. This place is about
#Airmen
and
#Soldiers
working together to bring some lethality and whoop ass to the next fight. Let’s Go!
@JBLM_PAO
@I_Corps
@USArmy
Meet AMC’s 2021 Doolittle Award winners. This C-17 crew accomplished the mission for the right reasons in August as they helped evacuate 124,000 from Afghanistan.
As one member of Reach 683 said, courage is not being scared, but doing what we did despite the fear.
Hats off to Gen Cotton and our
@AFGlobalStrike
teammates for hosting a productive and informative staff-to-staff discussion and partnering with us to get after tough problems.
We will win together.
Capt Stanton
@LRAFB
developed a 5-week readiness program based on
#WarriorHeart
key components to facilitate the Mental Health Flight's readiness & resiliency.
Anna, thank you for promoting a WH culture to purposefully help
#Airmen
ready their Minds, Bodies & Craft to Win NOW.
My boots still have the dust from my visit to beautiful Navajo Nation last week.
I was honored to spend time building our partnership and honoring a culture of unwavering commitment to service.
Honor the past… Develop the present. Promote the future.
Have you heard?
Gen. Minihan, Commander of
@AirMobilityCmd
, presented 36
#MobilityWarriors
with the DFC today at
@JBCharleston
.
This recognition is a highly esteemed honor for what these Airmen accomplished during the 17-day op.
These heroes are highly decorated.
We adopted the U.S. flag 245 years ago, and we still fight for the freedom it represents. Victory for America will be delivered on the shoulders of Mobility
#Airmen
...and victory starts now.
#FlagDay2022
Chief & I were honored to witness your performance in ‘22! Whether you fly, fix or support, you were vital to our success. To the
#TotalForce
team & families, thank you for your dedication to service.
We hope this season is filled w/laughter & love as you enjoy the holidays.
I can’t think of a person that better exemplifies the qualities needed to lead the next generation of Airmen than SrA Grace Tinkey.
You are a testament of what this Air Force needs. Congratulations and we look forward to this next chapter of your life, Grace.
@TeamCharleston
Invest in American tenacity NOW!
Here’s my personal and professional challenge to you - what have you done, what has your unit done, to accelerate change?
Name one thing. If you can't, or
you're waiting for somebody with grey hair or no hair, get after it!
I’m really impressed with the KC-46A and what
#TeamMcConnell
did with it in Europe.
She’s an amazing airplane, but she’s not as amazing as the
#Airmen
who fly, fix, and support what she does!
It was an incredible birthday gift to fly w/the
@126ARW
this weekend-you reinforced my respect & love for the professionalism & expertise across Total Force! I was honored to fly w/my grandfather's WWII unit...their motto, "We Win or Die,” is as true today as it was then.
#LETSGO
Congrats to BG Corey Simmons-I'm proud to be a part of this long overdue promotion. His performance thru MG23 & multiple crises while in command of the 618 Air Ops Ctr was the single best 1 star performance I’ve seen in my career. LET’S GO!
#MG23
I am so incredibly proud and humbled to be a part of this mobility team. This recognition is long overdue -
#MobilityAirman
, you are ALL heroes in my book. Your commitment to this nation is evident, YOU are the magic!
BREAKING: AMC awards an additional 12 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 4 Bronze Star Medals, 208 Air Medals, and 73 Meritorious Service Medals for actions taken during Operation Allies Refuge from it's second and final awards board held in November.
"Airmen are the magic - but if you don’t understand what each Airmen's magic trick is, you're going to have a really terrible magic show."
Something I heard during a panel at the
@AirliftTanker
Conference. Bottom line...know your Airmen! Let them lead!
In my career, I've seen only a few STEP promotions - they are something special.
Micah Ericson, the 618th AOC's newest TSgt, embodies the type of excellence that
@AirMobilityCmd
requires. Glad I was a part of this moment.
Well done, Micah.
It is my great honor to take command of the greatest Air Mobility Force on the face of the planet today.
I am in awe of the professionalism and skill with which you execute Rapid Global Mobility for the nation- 24/7, 365.
Please join us in congratulating and giving a warm welcome to the 15th commander of Air Mobility Command, General Mike Minihan!
#ProudToBe
Make sure to follow Gen Minihan
@amccommander
👈‼️
This WWII/Korea vet, Capt. Floyd Brantley, chose to serve instead of finish HS after losing his brother at Guadalcanal. He told me, “you never know, until you’re in another country how great America is.” Sir, I’m proud to share a uniform with you!
The Berlin Airlift was carried out by incredible people like Col. Gail Halvorsen - the Candy Bomber. His legacy stands strong as we celebrate the Airlift’s 74th anniversary, inspiring us to continue serving as an
@AirMobilityCmd
team of
#Warriors
who are always ready.
#AF75
Powered by Airpower - Berlin Airlift
Sunday marks the 74th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. This is one of the largest humanitarian aid missions in of history!
During the airlift the U.S. & U.K. delivered 2.3 million tons of food, fuel and supplies to West Berlin.
#AF75
Congratulations to Gen David Allvin on his confirmation as the 23rd Air Force Chief of Staff! While at the
@AF_Academy
today, Allvin was sworn in to his new role in the press box of the USAFA stadium - the same location where he commissioned 37 years ago.
Our Total Force
#MobilityAirmen
and Families exemplify courage, strength, and patriotism for all with their continued sacrifices for freedom.
As Americans give thanks this week, they’ll offer gratitude for each of you as our country’s sword and shield.
Ashley, you are incredible. Thank you for joining me on this
@usairforce
adventure.
To my beautiful bride, and to all the amazing military spouses supporting our
#Airmen
every day, thank you for your support. We couldn’t do this without you.
#MilitarySpouseAppreciationDay
One of the best things about exercises like
#MG23
is we get the privilege of working with our
#Allies
and Partners to strengthen our interoperability. It is our collective
#readiness
and resolve that will continue to ensure a
#freeandopenpacific
A phenomenal display at
@Buccaneers
game honoring Airmen Heroes for
#AF75
! Inspiring to see fair & firm coaching, coming from a position of love, wanting a win & accepting nothing less. Truly a world-class team with a community supporting world-class
@MacDill_AFB
.
@usairforce
#MobilityAirmen
- you’re all heroes in my book. Your response to what our country has called us to do is incredible, I’m proud to be part of this team.
Thank you
@AirliftTanker
for the chance to address this great audience for the last time as AMC Commander.
"Life's most urgent & persistent question is: What are you doing for others?" - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As we pause to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King, remember that we all continue to share in his dream & there is still work to be done & more we can do.
Let's Go!
Honored to present Capt Mendoza & SSgt Reed with the BSM for the lives they saved during OAR. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to this nation & the mission. Service, humility, and teamwork were the themes of these citations - Mobility
#Airmen
are ALWAYS there.
Thankful to get my booster today.
The COVID-19 vaccine saves lives and allows our Mobility Warriors to remain focused on our mission. I simply can’t stress enough the need to get vaccinated.
I'm physically saddened yet spiritually at peace by Ch. Dan Brantingham’s passing, AMC’s Cmd Chaplain 2018-2021. I'm blessed to be 1 of thousands who is better in every regard due to his kind touch. 33 years of US Air Force service & an eternal servant of God. Thank you Brother.
A long overdue visit to the hallowed grounds of the legendary
#Tuskegee
Airmen.
Yesterday’s discussion confirmed what I already knew-our
@AirForce
is in incredible hands. I’m excited for these cadets as they prepare to embark on their Air Force careers!
#GOInspire
@TuskegeeUniv
THANK YOU Brig Gen Rebecca Sonkiss for leading our 618th Air Operations Center and WELCOME to Brig Gen (sel) Corey Simmons.
I know the lethality and tempo required to win and fly will stem from the team executing from our AOC - it will be the defining factor in our victory!
What I saw today visiting JBLM…
#TotalForce
#Airmen
and
#Soldiers
who trust one another, an inclusive environment where all are valued, the innovative spirit needed to find winning solutions, and one helluva war-fighting focus in the eyes of its
#Warriors
. Let’s Go!
@JBLM_PAO
‘Accelerate change to win’ isn’t just something we talk to. It’s something we walk to… and deliver!
After only one day back with the team at
@LRAFB
, I am confident these outstanding Airmen are 100% aligned with that.
#LetsGo
I am humbled and impressed with the selfless efforts of our
#Airmen
who provided humanitarian support to those in need after the devastating earthquake.
I'm proud to stand with you as you help fill a critical need and make a difference for those affected.
Within 24 hrs of initial notification, 2 Urban Search & Rescue teams & a critical aid package were loaded on two C-17s enroute to Türkiye for ongoing efforts.
Fulfilling our worldwide commitment of delivering hope takes a team.
#StrongerTogether
Humbled to share the stage with these awesome leaders at
#AFAColorado
Creating irreversible momentum and closing with connectivity remain the top priorities during my last 6 months in command/in uniform. I sleep well knowing Airmen are the MAGIC underpinning all of it.
Last week, I got to spend time with Port Dawgs from the 437th Aerial Port Squadron
@JBCharleston
.
These phenomenal
#Airmen
earned the 2021 Logistics Readiness Small Terminal of the Year Award.
Lately, I've been reflecting on this
#MobilityWarrior
and how he embodies the essence of
#WarriorHeart
culture.
We have to take care of our Minds and Bodies if we're going to be lethal at our Craft.
On Friday, we celebrated and honored Lt. Col. (Ret) Bill “Shortfinger” Schwertferger’s 50-year anniversary of his repatriation from Vietnam.
American Royalty, Air Force Royalty, Warrior Royalty!
Read his story here -
To get this team ready, last week the
@AirMobilityCmd
leadership met to assess progress on the command's strategy, discuss
#WarriorHeart
to build better
#Airman
resiliency, & to ensure this expert
#team
remains the best on the planet at tackling any challenge thrown their way.
#MobilityAirmen
never cease to amaze me. At every turn I see innovation, boldness & a commitment to
#accelerate
change.
For YOU, no ask is too big. No runway too small. No region too far. When called upon, you deliver hope, aid, & even lethality. Don't let up.
Let’s Go!
Right effects, right place, right time! ✈️🌎
#ICYMI
, throughout the week, we are highlighting Air Mobility Command - who is critical to our ability to rapidly project, connect, maneuver and sustain the Joint Force.
#ProudToBe
|
#TogetherWeDeliver
The fight starts right here, in our front yard.
@US_TRANSCOM
,
@USNorthernCmd
and
@NORADCommand
are vital in our nation's whole-of-government efforts to ensure our power projection capabilities - and while the stakes have never been higher, failure is not an option.
I had the honor of meeting with 23
@AirMobilityCmd
Civic Leaders today. We discussed their efforts to champion quality of life issues like childcare accessibility, housing affordability & spouse employment. I’m so proud of how far we’ve come and excited to get after more issues.
The Accelerating the Legacy event hosted by
@TeamCharleston
was truly an impressive event. The tone set by those who helped plan and shape this will accelerate change for future
#Airmen
and generations to come. Great work!
Let's Go!
#AccelerateChange
This is how we invest in our American tenacity. We challenge our young officers to get after problems. We must accelerate change and encourage Airmen to do the same.