U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robin Rand, 12th Air Force commander, adjusts his bayonet while preparing to don his aviator mask prior to his familiarization flight July 11, 2012, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. While Rand was here, he had the opportunity to visit places such as the 366th Medical Group, 428th Fighter Squadron, the 366th Maintenance Group, and host a trio of commander’s calls. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Heather Hayward)
Kim Rand, wife of 12th Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Robin Rand, listens to a presentation of the Gunfighter Airmen’s Attic, July 11, 2012, at Mountain Home Air Force Base. Along with a stop at the Airmen’s Attic, Mrs. Rand visited the base library, the outdoor adventure program, the youth center and the 428th Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Shane M. Phipps)
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Gerardo Tapia Jr., 12th Air Force command chief, smiles to a staff sergeant July 10, 2012, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The first stop of their visit was to the 366th Medical Group to see a demonstration on the care provided during child delivery. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Heather Hayward)
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robin Rand, 12th Air Force commander, speaks to Lt. Col. Linus Tan, 428th Republic of Singapore air force senior ranking officer, about the importance of Peace Carvin V detachment July 10, 2012, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The detachment of approximately 16 U.S. Air Force, 250 Republic of Singapore Air Force personnel, and 95 contractors to include pilots, weapons system officers and ground crew, will undergo air-to-air and air-to-ground training and development programs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Heather Hayward)
A member of the 428th Fighter Squadron shows U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robin Rand and Chief Master Sgt. Gerardo Tapia Jr. the cockpit of an F-15SG July 10, 2012, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The Republic of Singapore air force is expected to have a detachment here for the next 22 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Heather Hayward)
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robin Rand, 12th Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Gerardo Tapia Jr., 12th AF command chief, gathers with Gunfighters to view a deployed environment demonstration July 11, 2012, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The demonstration was held to show the camaraderie between units to accomplish the mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Heather Hayward)
by Airman Shane M. Phipps
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
7/18/2012 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Emphasizing Gunfighter capabilities, Mountain Home Airmen had the privilege of welcoming the commander of the 12th Air Force, Air Combat Command, July 10.
Lt. Gen. Robin Rand, who also holds the title of commander of Air Forces Southern, U.S. Southern Command, was accompanied by his wife, Kim, and the 12th AF Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Gerardo Tapia, Jr. The general's three-day itinerary was packed with numerous events ensuring he saw the full spectrum of Gunfighter talents.
The agenda included a visit to the 428th Fighter Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force; an F-15E familiarization flight, and a tour of the 366th Medical Group. Throughout the visit, he stopped to recognize several Gunfighters for their outstanding contributions to the Air Force mission, and hosted three commander's calls.
"It was enlightening to be able to hear the general speak to such a small and focused group at the Company Grade Officers' call," said 1st Lt. Sarah Allen, 366th Mission Support Group executive officer. "Listening to the advice of someone with so much experience can teach you a lot, and I felt privileged to be in the audience."
At each commander's call, Rand shared some of his 33 years of leadership experience with the audience.
"I like leaders who are approachable and humble, and who deflect credit to others when things go well, and I want you to be that kind of leader," explained Rand. "I also like good manners because good manners equal good discipline."
The importance of Airmen balancing their personal and professional lives was another popular topic addressed by the general.
"If I could take one thing away from what the general said, it would be that we need to make families a top priority from the highest level of leadership to the level of front-line supervisors," said Allen. "It's the only way to ensure we remain a healthy and truly cohesive team as a military."
Rand concluded each commander's call in emphasizing his appreciation for the high caliber of Airmen at MHAFB.
"I want to thank every one of you for your service and sacrifice," exclaimed Rand. "I am honored to serve with you."
Rand went on to tell the group that they were an exceptional group of young men and women who make him extremely proud.
"I speak to you now as a father, husband and grandfather - thank God that we have folks like you to stand in the gap for us," he said. "I don't know where we get you from, I don't know exactly what motivates you, I don't know why you do what you do, but I am grateful for it. Go big or go home."
