Taking Care of Airmen, ACCE-I top priority

Published Sept. 30, 2010
By Major Richelle Dowdell
Air Component Coordination Element-Iraq Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE UNION III, Iraq -- Support for joint operations, partnering with Iraqi security forces, and care for Airmen were some of the topics discussed during the visit by Iraq's top Airman here Sept 21.

In his first Airmen's Call since becoming the Air Component Coordination Element-Iraq Director and commander of Detachment 2, 9th Air Expeditionary Task Force, just over a month ago, Brig General Russ Handy addressed these issues and other questions from Airmen.

During the Airmen's Call, General Handy spoke to Airmen about the Air Force's mission in Iraq and the perspective Airmen bring to the joint environment.

"You should never forget that you are a member of that joint team with an Airmen's perspective," the General said. "You've been brought up since you were a young Airmen or lieutenant to think in all dimensions. You ought to bring that perspective to the fight but remember who you work for and remember the job you're here to do and it's joint, coalition business."

In addition to his role as the senior air advisor to the USF-I Commanding General, General Handy is charged with providing administrative control of Individual Augmentee Airmen in the Baghdad area as well as ensuring those Airmen are filling the right tasks at the right time.

According to the general, accountability and assurance that Airmen are getting what they need can be challenging, especially when they are constantly being re-missioned to adapt to changing environments - like other members of the joint team here.

"Providing consistent direction and care for all Airmen in Iraq is one of my top priorities," he said. "One of the keys to ensuring Airmen have the resources they need to accomplish the mission and simultaneously being able to reach back and take care of family issues at home is having a clear understanding of who you work for and who you can go to for administrative assistance."

In his new position, General Handy hopes to visit with and educate Airmen throughout Iraq about his role and how he can help them best accomplish their missions. He and members of his staff will travel to forward operating locations to assess the needs and welfare of their Airmen to give them a better understanding of how they work and live.

In his closing comments, General Handy reminded Airmen of the importance of their mission and not to get complacent.

"We still have a job to do and it will take vigilence and awareness to ensure each and every one of you are successful in this critical stability operations mission. Operation NEW DAWN is an historic joint mission and each of you should be proud of your opportunity to play a critical role as Airmen."

General Handy was commissioned in 1983 through Officer Training School after graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has held a variety of flying, staff and command assignments. Prior to his current assignment to the ACCE-I, General Handy was the Commander of the 57th Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.