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General Lorenz spends time with BLAZE team

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Josh Harbin
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  General Stephen Lorenz, Commander, Air Education and Training Command, and his wife Leslie, visited Columbus AFB Dec. 15 -16 during his initial immersion of all AETC bases.

General Lorenz has been the new AETC commander since July 2008.

Over the course of his visit, the general and Mrs. Lorenz were able to visit various areas throughout the base to develop a deeper understanding of Columbus AFB's contribution to AETC's mission: develop America's Airmen today for tomorrow.

When asked about the intense degree of change in the Air Force today, the General remarked, "The Air Force holds a tradition of change. Columbus AFB trains its people for the future, not the past. I cannot even tell you what the Air Force will be like in 30 years."

As the new commander of AETC, General Lorenz hopes to foster a better understanding of how the continuum of training assists in creating the Air Force's greatest weapon: our Airmen.

"Our recruiting and training groups are doing a great job, but we want to know how recruiting, basic military training, technical training and advances in career fields prepare Airmen to arrive ready to perform their duties,"  he said.

With regard to Columbus AFB leadership and its community, General Lorenz said the community reception during his visit was "phenomenal." A gathering was held at Rosedale in downtown Columbus where base and civic leaders met with the general and welcomed him to the community. Rosedale is the home of Gene and Leigh Imes. Imes was an honorary commander for the 43rd and 48th Flying Training Squadrons.

To Columbus AFB BLAZE team and its community, General Lorenz closed his comments with, "Thank you for your support over our 65 years and keep up the wonderful things you do."