Commentary

Close your eyes. Imagine you are sleeping soundly when blaring smoke alarms jolt you awake. What do you imagine happens next?

Every day we see smart, motivated and brave Airmen striving to make a difference. With more than 24,000 Airmen from our total force deployed and those at home station focused on supporting the warfighter, our operations tempo is high and will remain that way into the future.

During these times of great sacrifice by Soldiers fighting the Global War on Terrorism and supporting contingencies around the world, the support provided by families and loved ones is more important than ever. Soldiers rely heavily on the quiet encouragement and support they receive.

This summer, our travels have taken us across the command, and from Lajes to Al Udeid, the outstanding Airmen of USAFE remain on the leading edge of our most critical global challenge, the War on Terrorism. As we visited the bases and watched you in action, we were continually reminded that every single Airman is essential to mission success. Safety mishaps that occur downrange or at home impede the accomplishment of our objectives and cause heartache and pain for our families, friends, co-workers, our command.

Last Thursday, five Airmen and I stood not far from the 86th Airlift
Wing headquarters building paying our respects while the 86th ACOMG and
the U.S. Air Forces in Europe band led an awesome retreat ceremony.
While we saluted our flag during the national anthem, it broke my heart
to watch vehicle after vehicle

In February 2006 I encouraged participation in a survey that was being
conducted to measure force well-being and determine satisfaction or
dissatisfaction with programs, facilities, services, and other aspects
of living in the Army in Europe.