AMC commander visits Dyess

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joel Mease
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The commander of Air Mobility Command visited Airmen in the 317th Airlift Group here May 8 as part of his site tour of AMC units.

General Arthur J. Lichte was given a tour of the 317th AG and was briefed on the current operations of the 39th and 40th Airlift Squadrons. General Lichte also extended his congratulations to the men and women of the 317th AG for being recipients of the Doolittle and Smith Trophies. The trophies are awarded for the best aircrew and flying squadrons in AMC respectively.

During his visit Airmen from the 317th AG had the opportunity to hear him talk about the future of air mobility and ask Gen. Lichte questions.

"Everyday our deployed Airmen are saving lives," Gen. Lichte said. "Sometimes people forget about the great work you do. You are in the middle of it all, delivering the supplies on the ground, the ammunition needed and providing the life-saving medical care with the C-130. I want you to know that (I) haven't forgot, and I know the work you are doing is important."

Accompanying the general was AMC Command Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Barron, who was also there to extend his congratulations and thanks to the 317th AG.

"I really want to thank each of you for what you do for your country," Chief Barron said. "I had an opportunity awhile back to be in Iraq and get to see what you all do on a daily basis. You continue to amaze us with all that you do."

The general agreed with the chief's comments, saying that the ingenuity Airmen show on a daily basis is what makes the Air Force such a great force in the war on terrorism.

"We have Airmen everyday that are thinking outside the box," Gen. Lichte said. "These Airmen allow it so we can provide the global reach, the clinched fist or the open hand to those in need. Only the Air Force can make that happen, but you are the ones who make it possible." 

For more information on the general's view Dyess TV News coverage.