AL DHAFRA AIR BASE, United Arab Emirates -- Chief Master Sgt. Joseph A. Montgomery, Air Forces Central Command command chief, visited Airmen from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Nov. 27-28, 2017.
In his visit, the chief saw up-close the variety of roles Airmen complete every day in the mission to support Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and the Combined Defense of The Arabian Gulf.
The 380th AEW is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons. The wing supports all five of the U.S Air Force’s core missions, Air and Space Superiority, Rapid Global Mobility, Command and Control, Global Strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance. Through these core missions, the Air Force provides Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and Global Power for America.
According to Command Chief Montgomery, none of these missions would be successful without the people.
“Everybody's role is important,” said Montgomery. “You may not notice it in your day-to-day routine; however, everything you do here impacts the mission downrange.”
Throughout his visit, the chief reminded Airmen to look out for one another throughout the upcoming holiday season and to make sure to call home as often as possible.
“Being away from your family is difficult already,” said Montgomery. “It’s even harder to be away during the holidays. I expect everyone to be a good wingman and look out for one another. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard question when you notice someone’s mood has changed.”
While the rest of the world is gearing up for the holiday season, some Airmen are experiencing their first deployment, the first time in a new country and or the first time away from family.
“I struggled being away from home over Thanksgiving,” said Airman 1st Class Maria Rivas, military postal clerk, assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Communications Squadron. “After listening to the chief talk about enduring the holiday season, he reassured me there will be more good days then bad.”
Chief Master Sgt. Jeremy Ravlin, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing command chief, took time to thank Montgomery for coming out and spending time with the Airmen.
“The timing of Chief Montgomery’s visit was vital in providing the 380th his perspective on the AFCENT mission,” said Ravlin. “It’s important to understand the impact you make in protecting our nation.”
In his role as the AFCENT command chief, Montgomery advises the commander and staff on matters influencing the health, welfare, morale and effective utilization of assigned enlisted personnel. According to his biography, Montgomery grew up in East Tennessee and entered the Air Force in April 1989. His background includes positions as both in-shop and flight line maintenance in the Turbo-Propulsion career field.
“My number one priority is to make sure Airmen have what they need to be successful and are taken care of,” said Montgomery.
Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Montgomery, U.S. Air Forces Central Command chief, speaks with Airmen during his visit to the 380th Air Expeditionary Group at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 27, 2017. Chief Montgomery spoke about several topics including the Blended Retirement System and made sure Airmen were prepared for the upcoming holidays. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Colton Elliott)