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General Feest explores the commitment to teamwork at Altus

  • Published
  • By Kevin Chandler
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Maj. Gen. Gregory Feest, 19th Air Force commander, spent two days recently with the men and women of Altus Air Force Base as part of a regular site visit. General Feest enjoyed breakfast and a question and answer session with Airmen at the Solar Inn dining facility, viewed and drove vehicles from the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron and talked to members of the 97th Maintenance Directorate about missions within Air Education and Training Command.

At breakfast, the general spent 30 minutes answering questions from Altus Airmen. Topics of discussion included career progression, educational opportunities and future increases in Air Force manpower. General Feest told those present that performing their jobs to the best of their ability would ultimately lead to success.

When asked what advice he has for the young Airmen of Altus, the general repeated his earlier statement. "Do the best at your job," he said, "that's how you get noticed. Broadening yourself and continuing your professional education will lead to good things."

He also informed the Airmen that joint-service operations are "here to stay." According to the general, Airmen should be flexible and prepared to do tasks outside of their immediate career field in order to accomplish the mission.

The general also entertained the audience with stories of his various experiences, which included traveling with Sen. John Kerry, of Massachusetts, and Vice President-elect Joe Biden.

After breakfast, the general traveled to the 97th LRS Aerial Port where flight personnel informed the general about each vehicle and its contribution to the wing mission. After speaking briefly to the flight formation, General Feest was briefed on the 60K cargo loader. Once familiar with the vehicle, he drove the loader through an obstacle course used by the Aerial Delivery leaders to certify drivers.

General Feest then traveled to meet the members of the 97th Maintenance Directorate, better known as the A-TEAM. Mr. Billy Dobbs, Quality Assurance chief, briefed the general on the recently implemented safety program which has reduced leave without official pay days from 740 in 2006 to 42 this year.

"I'm impressed with this program's willingness to accept ideas from the bottom up," General Feest said.

The general said he has been awed by all Altus does. "The teamwork here is remarkable; everyone is focused on the mission." He also took notice of Altus' contribution to the Air Force mission. "Our 19th Air Force motto is 'providing future airpower now.' That's what's happening at Altus."