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A privilege to serve

  • Published
  • By Col. Gary Goldstone
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Commander
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The time is fast approaching when I will be stepping away from command of truly one of the greatest wings in the Air Force. The 375th Air Mobility Wing has been home to my family for the past two years and though we've served at Scott AFB before, this was our first opportunity--and PRIVILEGE--to serve you as commander of the Showcase Wing!

The official change of command is set for 10 a.m. June 25 at the Parade Field, and though Mary and I are busy with the normal preparations required for moving, we are also taking this time to enjoy these last few weeks with you.

There are many people that we'll be saying goodbye to this summer--many changes of command throughout our wing. Our Air Force is a perpetual moving machine, and what's great about that is the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and have the opportunity to serve our great nation.

We will be visiting with our community friends during our last Belle-Scott event this evening and it has been our pleasure to associate with such fine Americans whom we call friends. Their support of the base, service members and their families has been nothing short of outstanding! Business and elected officials and leaders in the Greater Scott Community are a strong and steady influence in the growth of this area and in leading the way with positive relationships on all economic, educational, health, and environmental fronts.

This weekend we'll also spend some time with our O'Fallon/Shiloh community members as they sponsor their annual "Salute to Scott" picnic at O'Fallon Park. It's a superb event where our families have been able to spend a day of fun as their honored guests. We look forward to participating each year and wish to thank all the community members and volunteers who make it happen.

Being associated with such great people makes Scott AFB a special place to live and work. Our goal is to continue keeping those strong connections and reach out to others who may not be aware of the Scott mission and who have the opportunity to interact with Team Scott on a more frequent basis.

It's for that reason that we recently completed a civic outreach tour with 20 "friends" from our surrounding communities. Next week I will be sharing more about the trip we took to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, where we visited Wilford Hall Medical Center and the Center for the Intrepid where we were privileged to see firsthand how our nation takes care of our wounded. Along the way we partnered with the 932nd Airlift Wing to showcase how we accomplish our missions as a Total Force and how Scott AFB plays a role in DV transport and aeromedical evacuation missions.

Our time is not up yet--there are still a lot of things going on in the wing, such as the mission support group change of command, retirement of Col. Melissa Applegate, a C-21 naming ceremony, our Medical Clinic ribbon cutting, and a few more "Showcase Performers" to highlight! We're not saying goodbye until the flag has officially changed hands, and Mary and I both plan to spend the next few weeks making sure you know how much you've meant to us. We could not have asked for better leaders, a better support team, or better friends as we have here. Thank you. It is truly a PRIVILEGE to serve you and your families as we execute our Air Force's mission. Air Power!