Wing commander conducts commander’s calls

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zachary Hada
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th Bomb Wing commander, hosted two commander's calls Jan. 15 for all Ellsworth Airmen at the Pride Hangar.

During each session, the base's highest ranking officer covered a variety of topics, but focused on a few key issues - the wing's accomplishments over the past year, his priorities for 2014 and the importance of communication.

"Over the past year, each of you has played a vital role in the success of the wing accomplishing its mission," Kennedy said. "None of what we have accomplished in 2013 would have been possible if not for the tremendous dedication and commitment of the men and women of the 28th Bomb Wing."

Kennedy explained that as we move forward this year, he wants all Airmen to make sure they familiarize themselves with three priorities: win the fight, strengthen the team and prepare for the future.

"When you are faced with conflicting priorities, come back to these three," Kennedy said. "Those are our strategic priorities and they are intended to make sure we're ready for anything the nation asks us to do."

With the continued tightening of budgets and the announced force reductions in the year ahead, the colonel emphasized that it is more important now more than ever before to focus on communicating effectively with one another and working as a team.

"We need to make sure we're talking - especially to those in our chain of command," Kennedy said. "We're going through a lot of changes in the Air Force and a lot of people have questions. Let's make sure we keep each other informed."

Airman 1st Class Jeremiah Kincaid, 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance mechanic, was one of the Airmen who attended the commander's call conducted in the afternoon.

"It feels great knowing that we play a huge role in our base's success," Kincaid said. "I already knew that what I do on a daily basis is very important to our mission, but hearing the commander of our base recognize us for our hard work validates it even more."

Kennedy concluded each call by thanking the base Airmen for all of their hard work and dedication.