8th AF commander visits with bomber Airmen at Ellsworth

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class James L. Miller
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The commander of the Mighty Eighth visited Ellsworth AFB Jan. 18-20 and met with bomber Airmen to not only learn more about the base's mission, but commend them for all they have done at home station and while deployed.

During his visit, Maj. Gen. Richard Clark, Eighth Air Force commander, toured many different squadrons to get some face time with Airmen to learn how they support the mission and recognize several for their outstanding achievements.

Although Clark was on a tight schedule, his priority was getting to know the individuals who keep the 28th Bomb Wing rolling.

Part of his visit included an all-call in the base's Pride Hangar, where he elaborated on the importance of teamwork, leadership, energy, communication and perseverance.

"These are the same qualities we need to have right now as bomber Airmen to get the mission done," Clark said.

Chief Master Sgt. Marty Anderson, Eighth Air Force command chief, accompanied the general on his visit and took time to share some of his own words. He warned the Airmen about the dangers of abusing drugs, driving under the influence and sexual assault. 

"We are protectors," Anderson said. "Anybody that goes against that needs to get out of our Air Force."

The general concluded the all-call by telling the Airmen who they were.

"You are not cop-outs, you are not holdouts, and you are not dropouts," Clark said. "You go all out every day, and I want to thank you for that."