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Farewell Team Scott Family

  • Published
  • By Col. Gary Goldstone
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Commander
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  As Mary, Danielle, Garrett and I say our final farewell to our Team Scott family, I'm convinced that there is a constant at Scott AFB, a golden thread so to speak--the incredible support Team Scott always receives from our community partners.

The local communities are an integral part of Team Scott. Without the support from the Greater Scott communities, Scott Field may not have become what it is today--a major Air Force base that directly supports key military operations around the world.

As a testament to our lasting bond with the surrounding communities, many of our C-21 aircraft have been ceremoniously named after cities in the Greater Scott Community--Swansea, Belleville, Mascoutah, Shiloh, O'Fallon, and Troy--in recognition of their tremendous support to our service members.

On Monday, June 21, I had the distinct honor of participating in the formal naming of two more of our C-21 aircraft. We welcomed St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay to help us unveil the "Spirit of St. Louis III," and Airman 1st Class Tre Reese, from the 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron, to join us in unveiling the "Spirit of Scott." As many know, Scott AFB is the only base named after an enlisted member, Corporal Frank Scott. Airman Reese, our youngest Airman, was selected to represent all of the Airmen at Scott.

These ceremonies are tremendously important. The purpose is to recognize the significant contributions of the communities and our enlisted corps in Enabling Combat Power. Our C-21 aircraft fly around the globe and wherever they land, people will see these names as a standing tribute to our Team Scott family and community. I would like to humbly thank all of our community partners for their unwavering support to Team Scott.

To the Airmen and families of the 375th Air Mobility Wing: It is absolutely clear to me the superb efforts each of you have taken to ensure our focus and priority remains...on the mission. Each of you has my total respect and sincere thanks.

During my tour as commander, I have rarely had a thought that didn't involve the 375th AMW and Team Scott. The 375th AMW mission was at the forefront of every waking thought, well ahead of any other concerns. I couldn't have done it without rock-solid support from my family and their belief, as much as mine, that what we are doing is important to the wing, the families, the installation and the nation. And it's a testimony to my family, that my center of gravity was clearly focused on the mission first. I'm a lucky guy because I have two children who blind me with their brilliance and their humanity, and a wife who stuns me with grace, support, and understanding. You can't buy the support I've had ... it has to be home made.

And for the Airmen of the 375th AMW, the collective team who live up to the motto "AMC's Showcase Wing," Mary and I are so very proud to have been part of a unit that was tested so hard, so often ... nonstop! And you Enable Combat Power every day!

You are ready to execute combat and humanitarian missions anywhere, anytime. The Showcase Wing has demonstrated its capability for nearly two years, while garnering accolades and rewards for excellence. In fact, you richly earned an "Excellent" rating during our Operational Readiness Inspection which stands as validation of your wartime readiness and capability. You earned it and should be justifiably proud of your accomplishments.

There is no doubt in my mind that a commander succeeds because of the unit and its people...and not the other way around. The men and women of the 375th AMW are intrepid. They are full of determination, confidence, integrity, hope, and a willingness to sacrifice...all the finest attributes of America's armed forces.

Working with the men and women of the 375th AMW has clearly demonstrated that AMC'S Showcase Wing is a unit prepared for war. And you have been proving it! The 375th AMW team has placed aside personal concerns to serve their homeland in spectacular fashion. They have set a new standard for mission execution, esprit de corps, and camaraderie.

The men and women of the 375th AMW are accustomed to hearing me say "Mission First!" I mention this only by way of acknowledgement and appreciation for the fact that the burden has been heavy on both the members and the families. To me, every single day doing the mission, many many days abroad for the members of the 375th team ... every one represents a missed birthday or anniversary, a personal tragedy without family support, trying to get the kids to school when the car won't start, home repairs undone, and more. All that and the Showcase Wing continues to press ahead with clear mission focus, Enabling Combat Power. An understanding of the mission, the value of service, the needs of a nation, and the value of our commitments ... it's the bedrock of our desire to serve. Mary and I admire you and your families for the sacrifices you've made.

And I ask you to keep up the terrific work. Over the last two years we have executed our mission in a world-class manner! A staggering effort! Your mission is not done! It's going to take a lot more to finish the job. You're the right team for the job, and I can't think of a better person to lead you than Col. Mike Hornitschek. He's smart, he's decisive, he's experienced, and prepared. His wonderful wife, Polly, and children are the perfect team for the job ahead.

Now, I know that relinquishing command is one of the most difficult things to do. But, it's not hard to relinquish to the right person at the right time. Saying goodbye is tough, very tough! There's no doubt in my mind that the 375th AMW is, hands down, the world's finest Air Mobility Wing! SHOWCASE WING...ENABLING COMBAT POWER!