JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein, visited the Gateway Wing during his Standing Watch tour, Jan. 4th.
Goldfein took this opportunity to express his appreciation for Airmen who are on call 24/7, 365 days a year, updated them on Air Force priorities and provided a strong message on resiliency.
The 37th Training Wing at JBSA-Lackland was the last of five locations Goldfein visited as part of his Standing Watch tour. This tour was dedicated to highlighting how impactful each location is to the U.S. Air Force, and the accomplishments each base has made. During his visit to JBSA-Lackland, Goldfein visited Airmen of the 737th Training Group and Basic Military Training, which included trainees that have not yet donned the title of Airman. Goldfein met with military training instructors in small groups and took the opportunity to thank them for their hard work with new Air Force personnel. He also had the opportunity to visit the 341st Training Squadron, tour the kennels of Military Working Dogs and meet with MWD instructors who were receiving their K9 patch. All military working dogs in the Department of Defense receive their initial training at the 341st TRS.
His overall message to these Airmen was one of gratitude.
“I just wanted to come by and give you one message, and that is to say thank you. First of all, thanks to the MTIs, thanks to the team. These are the best of the best, “said Goldfein. “They have one objective and that is to get you through this program and turn you into the Airmen that we need you to be to defend the nation. “
Goldfein recognized that Airmen would have to serve throughout the holiday time frame, and possibly did not spend the time they would like with their families.
“Never underestimate the importance of serving in this Air Force and defending our constitution and our way of life,” said Goldfein. “Insuring that our families can sleep well because we don’t.”