CMSAF visits Patrick-Cape, thanks Airmen

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 45th Space Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody, the Air Force's highest ranking enlisted Airman arrived at Patrick Air Force Base March 24, and spent three days with Team Patrick-Cape to get a first-hand look at the mission and personally thank the Airmen.

During his visit, Cody toured various work centers and facilities here and at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. He met with hundreds of Airmen and civilians, received mission briefings and spoke at an Airman's call.

Cody shared his insight about the force management program, the launch of a new system for enlisted performances reports, and other concerning factors during an Airman's-call.

Prior to addressing questions from the audience, Cody said the real emphasis behind his visit is to look each member in the eye and say, 'thank you.'

"Thank you for everything you do for our nation every single day," he said. "You really make a difference."

Cody spent the majority of the hour fielding questions about promotion, recruitment, education, future force shaping, tuition assistance and mission expectations.

The Air Force is getting smaller, but we are still the world's greatest Air Force and it is powered by a team just like you [Airmen], Cody added.

"I appreciate you, as does everyone in our Air Force, during these turbulent times, working through budgetary challenges as we move throughout the next couple of years.

Near the end of the Airman's call, Cody mentioned while the budgets uncertainty is difficult and affects everyone individually, it is not what the Air Force wants; nonetheless, it is reality.

"However, what reassures me most during fiscally challenging times are the Airmen, and we absolutely have all the confidence in the world in you," Cody said. "We will continue to execute the Air Force mission in a way that our nation demands of us.

"We are proud of you," he said. "You [Airmen] are part of something big and you make a difference in the world every single day. What you do has meaning and purpose."

In the three days, Cody spent breakfast, lunch and dinner with Airmen and encouraged them to express their concerns and ask questions.

"Meeting Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody is a tremendous opportunity and one I will never forget," said Staff Sgt. Brian Snyder, 45th Space Wing knowledge operations manager, one of the many noncommissioned officers who had the chance to have lunch with him. "I appreciate how he went above and beyond, and how in-depth his responses were to our questions."

Cody stressed the importance of upholding the Air Force core values, remain focused on the mission and being a good wingman.

"The Air Force core values that we live for everyday are not just words; they are the very fabric of the essence of who we are. Don't ever let yourself or another Airman down."

Prior to departing, Cody said he was impressed with Team Patrick-Cape and took one final opportunity to emphasize the reason for his visit.

"I want to thank the Airmen for what they do every day and thank their families," he said. "While there is a lot going on, we can't express enough how important it is to stay focused on the mission ..."

 

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