Scobee gets real with 944th Fighter Wing Airman

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Barbara Plante
  • 944th Fighter Wing, Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZ. --  Brig. Gen. Richard Scobee, 10th Air Force commander, an Arizona native and former 944th Fighter Wing commander visited the wings Airman and facilities during a three day whirlwind trip Feb 5-7.

Mission briefings, hands-on squadron tours, newcomer's orientation, mentoring sessions, keynote address for the annual award banquet and most importantly talking with Airman were on the agenda.

Accompanying the general was his command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Brandhuber.   Both of them echoing the same mantra during their visit; meeting and being with Airmen is the best part of their job and how important it is to build a culture where you enjoy what you do.

"The 944th has a special place in my heart since I spent so much time here.  We are a professional force, at 10th Air Force we do everything combat which provides lots of opportunities for our Airman," Scobee said as he address the newest members of the 944th during their first orientation briefing.  
  
The Air Force Reserve is involved in every mission the active duty Air Force currently dose.  If a Reservist wants to deploy or stay home and train there are all kinds of excellent opportunities available.   "Bring the experience you have to make the 944th FW a better Organization," Scobee added.

"Our Nation cannot afford the military that we had in the past and that is why the Reserve is so vitally important because we can be so much less expensive than the active duty.  We capture the training/talent coming off active duty and save the tax payers an extraordinary amount and we will continue to do this for a long time to come."

Fielding questions from the group the general and the chief discussed, challenges facing 10th AF, budget concerns, finding a balance between family, civilian job and military service, deployment opportunities, the F-35 operational mission, and even the Super Bowl outcome.

"I want to thank you for serving, I know as a reservists it takes time, your family comes first and next your civilian job because if you have those two thing squared away you can focus on the military mission when you are here or deployed," said Brandhuber.  

While addressing Airmen of the Mission Support Group Scobee summed it by saying, "It is fantastic what you do to keep this place running.  When I come back to the wing it is great to see what an outstanding place you have made the 944th.   The example of force integration is phenomenally great here at Luke AFB and you all add so much to the fight."

The trip culminated with the general providing the keynote speech for the 944th Annual Awards Ceremony. 

In a voice often laced with emotions Scobee proudly told the story of his father Francis Richard "Dick" Scobee, commander of the Space Shuttle challenger that was lost on Jan 28, 1986.  He talked about his dad's journey from enlisting in the Air Force as an 18-year-old, turning wrenches on the flight line, to commanding a space shuttle.

"There is no country in the world where you can be what you want, do what inspires you.  Be an officer, be an NCO do what drives you to show up on drill weekends.   [His father] was able to improve lives by being present.  He made an impact, not by how he died, but by how he lived!"

In conclusion he finished his story by saying, "So, I ask you all, how are you going to live your life?  Make an impact like these outstanding Airmen of the Year, they lead by example.  Thank you ALL for serving this great country...because you have a choice."