Reflecting on the important role of AMC; some team standouts Published June 15, 2012 By Col. Lenny Richoux 6th Air Mobility Wing commander MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- I wanted to take a moment to recognize the 20th anniversary of Air Mobility Command, the 6th Air Mobility Wing's major command. As recognized by the U.S. Congress recently, AMC was created June 1, 1992, as the Air Force's functional command for cargo and passenger delivery, air refueling, and aeromedical evacuation. We ensure the Air Force's core functions of global vigilance, power, and reach are fulfilled. The ability of the United States to rapidly respond to humanitarian disasters and the outbreak of hostilities anywhere in the world truly defines the United States as a global power. Mobility Air Forces Airmen are unified by one single purpose: to answer the call of others so they may prevail. Since its inception, Air Mobility Command has provided forces for 43 humanitarian relief efforts at home and abroad, from New Orleans, La., to Bam, Iran. A Mobility Air Forces aircraft departs every two minutes, 365 days a year. Since Sept. 11, 2001, Mobility Air Forces aircraft have flown 18.9 million passengers, 6.8 million tons of cargo, and offloaded 2.2 billion pounds of fuel. Many of these flights have assisted combat aircraft protecting United States forces from overhead. The United States keeps its solemn promise to its men and women in uniform with Air Mobility Command, accomplishing 186,940 patient movements since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. More than 134,000 active-duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and Department of Defense civilians make up AMC. The 6th Air Mobility Wing is one of many AMC Wings positioned globally. As the ninth commander of the 6th Air Mobility Wing, I am proud of the 2,700 Airmen and 600 civilians who comprise our Wing at MacDill. Every day you make us the finest Air Mobility Wing on the face of the planet. I would like to highlight Staff Sgt. Justin Casey from the 6th Maintenance Group. Casey organized more than 70 volunteers for 2012 SportsFest in St. Petersburg, Fla. More than 200 local companies participated in the event. Another high performing Airman is the Unit Deployment Manager at the 6th Medical Group, Tech. Sgt. Heidi Torres-Curry. In the last 11 months, Torres-Curry processed 50 medics to nine geographical locations with a 94 percent fill rate. In addition, she devised innovative ways to communicate with members down range through social networking venues, which enabled daily interactions with 6th MDG staff and families. It's you Airmen that enable the mission to continue whether at home or abroad; Air Mobility Command and MacDill AFB are better because of your dedication. Thank you for your service!