CONR commander hosts annual conference

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  • AFNORTH Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Commanders and senior leaders of the various units of Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region-1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern) gathered at Tyndall Air Force Base March 21-22 for the command's annual Commander's Conference.

The command is comprised of geographically-separated units across the country, all working toward a common goal - defending the homeland. Bringing those senior leaders together every year gives the command a chance to smooth out any wrinkles that may have cropped up and it provides a networking opportunity that isn't normally available.

"Our organization is charged with a significant, distinctive and no-fail mission," said Lt. Gen. Sid Clarke, Continental U.S. NORAD Region-1st AF (AFNORTH) commander. "Getting our unit leaders and interagency partners together in the same room provides us a chance to focus on discovering new and better ways to accomplish that mission without the obstacle of distance."

During the two-day conference, which had an overall theme of "Homeland Defense: Today and Tomorrow," attendees tackled issues such as budgetary impacts, social media use, modernization efforts and special security challenges.

At the end of the conference, the general expressed his concerns regarding ongoing personnel and budget challenges but remained optimistic about the organization's ability to tackle them.

"We are doing pretty well, but it's going to be an interesting year, a tough year," he said. "I just want to let you know I appreciate all your support and cooperation in making our mission happen, especially in these challenging times. It's a mission that is critical to our nation and its security, a fact we must never lose sight of."

Just after General Clarke officially ended the conference, he gathered his personal staff representatives and division chiefs to the front of the room. Then conference attendee Mark Bartlett, special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Special Operations Division, presented the general with the U.S. Secret Service Director's Recognition Award on behalf of the USSS director.

"We wanted to present Continental U.S. NORAD Region - 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern) with this award for their outstanding continuous support of our mission," Bartlett said. "I believe that together, we are keeping the president of the United States safe as well as America through the ongoing coordination of our efforts. We're proud to be part of this team."

During the conference, the leaders also attended the command's annual award banquet to cheer on their superb performers.