ACC commander shares AF vision

By Staff Sgt. Sarah Pullen, 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs / Published July 18, 2014

Gen. Michael Hostage, Air Combat Command Commander, greets Staff Sgt. Andrew West (left) and Senior Airman Philip Sherman (right) pararescuemen with the 308th Rescue during his visit of the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Natasha Dowridge)

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Gen. Michael Hostage, Air Combat Command commander, greets Staff Sgt. Andrew West, left, and Senior Airman Philip Sherman, right, pararescuemen of the 308th Rescue Wing July 16 during his visit to the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Natasha Dowridge)

Lt. Col. Steven Podnos (left), 920th Aeromedical Staging Squadron flight doctor, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., showcases the units simulator center to Gen. Michael Hostage (right), Air Combat Command commander, July 15, 2014. The training center simulates a flying intensive care unit on a C-17 Globemaster cargo aircraft and a C-130P/N refueling aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Natasha Dowridge)

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Lt. Col. Steven Podnos, left, 920th Aeromedical Staging Squadron flight doctor, showcases the units simulator center to Gen. Michael Hostage, Air Combat Command commander July 15 at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. The training center simulates a flying intensive care unit on a C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft and a C-130P/N refueling aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Natasha Dowridge)

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Gen. Mike Hostage, Air Combat Command commander, and wife Kathy Hostage visited with the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida July 15.

Hostage encouraged Airmen to aim high while the Air Force adapts to the changes and challenges that will accrue over the next 10 years.

"We are the best Air Force in the world and we know how to do business," said Hostage. "We will adapt to the challenges to get the mission done."

During Hostage's stay with the 920th RQW he toured the flightline, the 920th Aeromedical Staging Squadron and the 308th Rescue Squadron.

Airmen had the opportunity to address concerns with Hostage during an enlisted members' lunch and again at an all call.

The hot topic discussed was the reshaping of the military and how it will affect Airmen's military careers.

"Being that the 920th Rescue Wing's mission is unique to the Air Force, I don't foresee the reshaping affecting the rescue mission," Hostage said.

Many lives have been saved during peacetime and in the time of war because of the 920th RQW's critical mission, said Col. Jeffrey L. Macrander, 920th RQW commander.

"You have a great mission and you have earned the right to say, 'These things we do, that others may live,'" Hostage said.

Leadership recognizes that the rescue mission is a difficult one and asks a lot of its members.
"We have a great mission that is done by great people, and there isn't a more rewarding mission better than what we do," Macrander said.

The 920th RQW's mission is the only one in the Department of Defense that is trained and equipped to conduct personnel recovery operations into hostile or denied areas.

"We are here to support our mission and love what we do," said Master Sgt. Blain Morgan, pararescuemen assigned with the 920th RQW. "We will do whatever it takes to get the job done."

During the all call Hostage thanked the 920th RQW and its members for having service before self and for the dedication Airmen provide the units unique mission.

"The fact that you are serving is what is important because you are reserving something truly unique in history, and that's the flaming flame of liberty," Hostage said. "Thank you for your heroic service."