ACC command chief visits Ellsworth

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rebecca R. Imwalle
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Ellsworth Airmen welcomed a visit from Chief Master Sgt. Richard Parsons, Air Combat Command command chief, Jan. 29.

During his visit, Parsons toured several locations - including the Raider Café dining facility, Airman Leadership School, 28th Security Forces Squadron shoot house, and the 432nd Attack Squadron - to speak with Airmen and discuss the roles they play in Ellsworth's mission.

Enlisted Airmen were also given the opportunity to meet Parsons during an enlisted all-call conducted in the Pride Hangar, Jan. 29.

Parsons began his address by thanking the enlisted corps for their service, sacrifices they make, and the combat power they provide every day that ensures Airmen make it home alive.

"There are many changes happening in the Air Force," Parsons said. "To remain the world's greatest air power, one of the first things we need to do is build up our strategic capabilities."

The chief explained that with the Air Force downsizing, it's more important than ever to take care of each other.

"We are cutting many of our Airmen," Parsons said. "This inherently presents us with challenges that won't easily be overcome. However, I am a positive and optimistic person. The way I look at it is that we're keeping 93 percent of our Airmen."

Parsons made it clear to Airmen that their efforts are recognized - not only by Air Force leaders - but by our joint team and international coalition members as well.

"The news we have been receiving isn't all good," Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Peterson, 28th Bomb Wing command chief. "What is important is how we move on and deal with these issues. Chief Parsons did a great job explaining that to our Airmen."

Those in attendance were also afforded the opportunity to ask questions related to Air Force current events, retirement benefits, promotion procedures and any other topic.

"One thing you must always leave our people with is hope," Parsons said. "Hope helps build confidence, patience and anticipation of a better time, place or situation."

Parsons closed by thanking the Airmen, and asking those in attendance a question, "Where do you get your hope?"