8th Air Force commander visits 7th Bomb Wing

  • Published
  • By Airman First Class Katherine Miller
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The commander of the 8th Air Force visited Dyess Feb. 15-17 to meet with Airmen from across the 7th Bomb Wing to commend them for their efforts and to learn how they support the "Mighty Eighth's" mission.

During his visit, Maj. Gen. Richard Clark toured different squadrons to meet face-to-face with Airmen and used it as an opportunity to thank Airmen for their hard work and dedication to service and mission support.

"It was great to be recognized by Maj. Gen. Clark and I took it as team recognition for all of command post," said Capt. Brandi Hicks 7th Bomb Wing Command Post chief. "Maj. Gen. Clark was very appreciative of all the hard work put in from command and control."

Clark began his visit at the 7th Bomb Wing Headquarters where he was given a wing mission brief.  Clark also visited the bases' Deployment Control Center and 7th Operations Support Squadron vault to tour the facilities.

Clark then stopped by the 28th Bomb Squadron, where he was once stationed from 1994 to 1997 as a B-1 Instructor Pilot at the B-1 Flight Training Unit.  There, he operated the B-1 flight simulator, which is now retrofitted with the new Block 16 upgrades.

Later, Clark visited the weapons load barn, where he observed a Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile load.

Clark then returned to his old stomping grounds, the Dyess flight line, where he watched B-1s take off. He and his wife, Amy, also visited the military working dogs facility, where she donned the dog-bite suit and put the K-9's training to the test.

"It is always great to be able to teach and show leadership what we can accomplish with MWD," said Technical Sgt. Daren Marshall 7th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer. "Mrs. Clark was really excited to put on the bite suit and let MWD Nero get a few bites in.  It's always fun to put someone in the bite suit and let them see the power that is behind a MWD's bite. It gives them a new found respect for our MWDs."

To conclude his visit at Dyess, Clark hosted an all-call at the base theater, where he and Chief Master Sgt. Marty Anderson, 8th Air Force command chief, spoke to Airmen about the importance of family, the bomber Airmen ethos, perseverance, communication, leadership and teamwork.

"These are the essentials that we need as bomber Airmen," Clark said. "We as bomber Airmen have the capability to provide long-range strike, deliver combat air power and bombs on target. We have to be able to deliver from home, from in-theater or wherever required. "

Anderson spoke to Airmen about character, job performance and the importance of taking risks. Anderson explained that taking risks brings mistakes and mistakes bring growth. However, he clarified that some mistakes are inexcusable such as drinking and driving, abusing drugs and sexual assault.

"If you're not occasionally making mistakes, you're not trying hard enough.  I'm not talking about crimes, I'm talking about honorable intentions and when you step into a new role or new responsibility and you're trying something completely new," Anderson said.

Anderson explained that taking risks takes courage and shows a tremendous amount of character, which is an essential trait for Airmen.

"You're taking a risk, and you're going to make mistakes," Anderson said. "That's what we need every Airman to do."

Clark then concluded the all-call by thanking Airmen for their dedication and service to not only the Air Force but to the nation.

"In today's world, only a few people have answered the call," Clark said. "Thank you for your commitment, and keep persevering."

The Airmen of the 7th Bomb Wing came to know Maj. Gen. Clark on a more personal and professional level during his visit to Dyess, as he spoke about his family, leadership views and what it truly means to be bomber Airman.

"He makes you feel comfortable," Hicks said. "He personifies the kind of leader that you want to follow."