CSAF visits, thanks Yokota Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Soo C. Kim
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan - Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody visited Airmen here Aug. 27, 2013, as part of a two-week tour of the Pacific region.

During their visit to Yokota, Welsh and Cody thanked Airmen for the sacrifices they make while serving their country.

"I'm here for one reason--to thank you. Thank you for everything you do," Welsh said. "You represent us so well; thank you for all the great work you've done."

Welsh also spoke of the current challenges facing the Air Force and how Airmen can overcome them by applying three C's: common sense, communication and caring more.

"You have the ability to change things," Welsh said. "You've just got to believe it and have the courage to do it."

Welsh stressed the importance of knowing every Airman's story in order to build a stronger bond amongst the Air Force.

"Get to know the people you work with, learn what drives them and take care of each other," Welsh said.

Following his remarks, Welsh fielded questions from Airmen and invited them to personally meet with him, his wife, Betty, and Chief Cody's wife, Athena

Welsh's remarks left a lasting impact on those in attendance, such as Airman 1st Class Virbon Frial.

"I loved his speech, especially the last part," said Frial, a dental technician with the 374th Dental Squadron. "Knowing everyone's story is the best way to lead and I will take this speech to heart when I lead Airmen in the future as a non-commissioned officer."

Earlier in the day, Welsh visited the Japanese Air Defense Command to see firsthand the bilateral command and control functions operating at Yokota.

Welsh also visited the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron's Combat Mobility Flight, where he met and coined Airmen for their critical role preparing air drop payloads for day-to-day airlift operations and contingencies.

During Cody's visit, he met with senior NCO's to discuss challenges and opportunities in taking care of Airmen amidst an uncertain fiscal environment. Welsh's tour of the Pacific region continues until Aug. 31.