Wing commander’s call

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sarah Breer
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  MacDill's new 6th Air Mobility Wing commander highlighted his top three priorities for 6th AMW Airmen at his first commander's call Aug. 21 in Hangar 3.

Col. Scott DeThomas opened with a "Thank you" to the team at MacDill. He spoke with a smile on his face about the tour he began as part of Team MacDill July 27. The success of MacDill, he emphasized, rested on each Airman and their family and friends. He asked the Airmen to pass his gratitude on to their support systems.

Serving our nation is a privilege, not just a paycheck, said DeThomas. He went on to say waking up and serving is "an honor," and that Team MacDill will not give up and will not stop supporting the mission, nation and each other.

DeThomas's priorities for the Wing play off of the Air Mobility Command's acronym, AMC - Airmen, mission, and community.

Airmen are the greatest resource that the Air Force holds, DeThomas said, adding that all of the money and resources that are at our disposal as a force cannot replace what Airmen do and bring to the Air Force to prepare for whatever may come, and to answer the call of our nation.

DeThomas applies the term "Airmen" not only to enlisted personnel, but officers and civilians.

Our team's mission is huge, he told the crowd, adding that it includes not just refueling with the KC-135 Stratotanker, but also Global Reach and Global Strike.

"No fighter jet can do its job without the refueler," DeThomas said. "The KC-135 can't do its job without a team to run it."

MacDill is a team, including our mission teammates, DeThomas said. Everyone is part of our mission success.

DeThomas challenged Team MacDill to continue building the community inside the fence and off-base.

"I don't know if you realize how great we have it," DeThomas said in regard to the community that surrounds MacDill. "We set an example in the community."

He said the standards set demand teamwork, and that the team needs to be ready in all areas: mentally, physically and spiritually. He noted that opportunities should be seized as they come, challenges accepted and solutions found. DeThomas emphasized community relations and the need to be responsible Wingmen and take care of each other. Ask questions and be willing to care, he said, adding that resiliency is a pillar of a strong force.

DeThomas asked the members of Team MacDill to keep up the good work, noting that the future is unpredictable. The team needs to be prepared, as a group, for any changes ahead, he said, adding that Airmen should feel free to come to their leadership or him if the need arises for any reason.

DeThomas stated that he looks forward to his time at MacDill to see what can be accomplished by Team MacDill.