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AETC vice commander departs, leaves legacy of improvements in command

  • Published
  • By Ms. Beverly Simas
  • AETC Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A Texas native who spent much of his career trying to "get an assignment in Texas" is about to uproot from his home and depart once again. Maj. Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Air Education and Training Command vice commander, leaves July 18 for his new duties as Associate Director for Military Affairs at the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C. 

General Welsh said he was glad to accept the new assignment because "when you put on a military uniform and come to work every day you make a difference." 

The vice commander witnessed that difference first-hand as AETC became the command of choice under Gen. (ret.) William R. Looney III, former AETC commander, and other leaders. "General Looney fulfilled his vision of making this a command of choice," General Welsh said. "I think what did it was a focus on quality of life for our people and their families. It is not perfect. We have a long way to go and a lot of work to do. But there have been great accomplishments in the last number of years. And I think the clear focus on that was exciting to watch because it did translate down to the unit level." 

The move may take General Welsh to a new location, but the changes and improvements begun during his time here will continue. "I think we (AETC) will have to use much more simulation, much more virtual, much more education and training," General Welsh said. 

Watching and participating in making those visions come to pass has left General Welsh with many unique memories. "Like every job I've ever had, the most indelible memories are the people. People like the great heroes we have here at AETC, like some of the great young folks who do such phenomenal things for our country. This business is all about people and pride and they embody that." 

Those who worked closely with General Welsh said the inspiration is reciprocal. 

Staff Sgt. Michael Leo, who worked as the enlisted aide to General Welsh, said, "Out of all the general officers I could have been linked up with I am so glad I work for General Welsh." 

Sergeant Leo was so inspired by the general that he decided to move his family to continue working for the Welsh family at their next location. "I would follow him to any assignment," he added. 

The location of his new assignment is not the only change for the AETC vice commander. "The current job focuses on preparing Airmen to do the Air Force's work in support of joint operations around the world. The next job (at the CIA) will focus on actually doing those joint operations," the general said. 

"Both jobs allow me to continue working for the best men and women on the planet."