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AETC Commander visits Goodfellow Air Force Base

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Scott Jackson
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, visited Goodfellow Air Force Base and met with members of the 17th Training Wing and toured facilities, March 15 and 16.

For his first visit since taking command, Roberson toured base facilities like the Crossroads Student Ministry Center and the Department of Defense Fire Academy and hosted an all-call at the base theater, where he went over what he looks to accomplish as commander.

“In the strategic plan you’ll see certain goals, or what I call my ‘big rocks,’ for the command to tackle in coming years, many of which directly and indirectly affect the mission here at the 17th Training Wing,” said Roberson. “All these goals are intent on recruiting, training and educating Airmen to deliver airpower for America – our AETC mission. We are the first command. Airpower starts here.”

Another point he expanded on was recruitment and the nature of competition between the armed forces and civilian career fields.

“The Air Force is a great way of life and Americans have always been eager to serve this great nation,” said Roberson. “However, recruiting is a challenge, and the Air Force has always proven to be up to the challenge. I’m so proud of our Air Force recruiters and the quality of people they continue to find to serve. You have to remember that we vie for the same pool of candidates as industry, Silicon Valley, colleges and the other military services. We need high quality volunteers. Our nation demands it. Despite it all, our recruiters continue to find amazing men and women by showing them all the Air Force offers– service to their country, responsibility and trust, professional and leadership development, technical training and educational opportunities.”

Col. Michael L. Downs, 17th Training Wing commander, found the tour to be a great opportunity to showcase the mission and the future of Goodfellow..

“It’s always great to highlight Goodfellow and our exceptional Airmen,” said Downs. “We’re a championship team and Goodfellow’s mission is integral to the Air Force’s mission success. Our training is increasing in importance with every passing day. Not only do all branches receive training here, but they simply cannot operate without the world class instructors and development their personnel receive here.”