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Striving for continued greatness

  • Published
  • By Col. Gary Goldstone
  • 375th Airlift Wing commander
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill --  As the newest members of the 375th Airlift Wing, please allow me to tell you that my family and I are truly honored to join such a superb team. As your new commander, I want you to know that I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to lead such a great wing. 

Throughout my career as a mobility pilot, I have gained a great appreciation for the important missions taking place at Scott. I have also had such a positive impression of the 375th Airlift Wing and its people, well aware of the tremendous support the wing delivers, and of its critical importance to our nation's combat capability. 

Similarly, Scott has a great reputation when it comes to the support the base receives from civic leaders and the local communities. Anyone who understands the vital importance of rapid global air mobility to the warfighting commanders appreciates the critical importance of the support the 375th AW provides. 

Therefore, the most important thing I want the collective 375th AW team to know is that our mission, the very reason we exist, is to support the warfighting commander and to make sure they get whatever is needed to succeed. 

We need to work side by side with our Joint Total Force Scott neighbors to eliminate redundant capabilities and to realign functions in order to provide the JTF Scott commanders and leaders the authorities, capabilities and flexibility necessary to accomplish their assigned missions. 

The 375th AW change of command ceremony, a time honored military tradition, was truly wonderful! Mary, our son Garrett, daughter Danielle and I would like to extend a sincere THANK YOU to all the people who clearly went above and beyond to plan and execute such a superb event. We would also like to thank all of the people who attended and helped welcome us to the Scott team. 

As your new wing commander, I admire the incredible job you continue to do each and every day to help make this dangerous world we live in safer. I hope it is enough to tell you that I do not believe your efforts will be in vain, and I am proud to join your ranks. 

The bottom line up front...my family and I are excited about becoming part of something very special here at Scott. 

During the change of command on Aug. 18, we bid a fond farewell to Colonel and Mrs. Hunt. I would like to thank Colonel Hunt for his inspired leadership of the 375th AW. The wing gained from Colonel Hunt's vision and leadership. 

Along with the entire wing and many friends in the local community, I want to wish the Hunt's well and express my gratitude and appreciation for their efforts while a part of the 375th AW. 

As wing commander, I look forward to working to strengthen and build upon the 375th AW's tremendous reputation. Together, we will work to reinforce our Air Force's core values: Integrity, Service and Excellence. 

Additionally, it is my philosophy that leadership entails responsibility and accountability for the success or failure of our mission. Your success or failure is also my responsibility. 

The touchstones of my command philosophy are straight forward and I hope that you will accept these as part of your mindset: 1. No rule through fear. 2. No out-right breaches of integrity. 3. No public displays of raw emotion or lack of self-control. 4. Zero tolerance for discrimination. 

Trust and loyalty to our core values, along with the aforementioned command philosophy must remain our bedrock. After all, 300 million Americans are counting on all of us to protect our nation's treasure. 

As commander, my intent is for the 375th AW to successfully accomplish all assigned missions safely and effectively, while at the same time taking care of our Airmen, civilian employees and their families. The key to mission success will be a continual focus on our core values, core competencies, balancing effort based on priorities and constant adherence to the principles that make us the world's greatest Air Force. 

Looking into the future, our collective mission focus will serve to significantly strengthen its reputation as AMC's showcase wing providing aero-medical and DV airlift, combatant command-level communications support and contingency response capabilities. Additionally, the wing will be recognized as the benchmark for operations that enable U.S. national goals and objectives throughout the total force. 

To that end, the 375th AW will continue to play an essential role in building and sustaining military-to-civilian relations with key community partners and allies. Wing personnel and their families should and will take great pride in having performed the wing's important missions during a time of war. 

And, they will have served their Air Force and their nation professionally and with patriotism, and in a manner entirely respectful of the wing's motto, "Help From Above." 

The "unlimited liability" responsibility of our mission asks us to put our lives on the line, if necessary, to defend our nation and its values. Our Air Force demands that we continue to commit ourselves to making whatever sacrifices are needed to help our nation fly, fight, and win! 

We are all members of the world's finest Air Force...work hard, play hard and stay physically fit so you are ready when it's time to execute at the tip of the spear!