An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

455th commander sees stars

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Drew Nystrom
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  Col. Jack L. Briggs II, the commander of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, was promoted to brigadier general Saturday in a ceremony held here on the same flight line where Airmen are providing airpower to warfighters throughout Afghanistan.

Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, Commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, Southwest Asia, presided over the ceremony and, with the help of Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, 101st Airborne Division and Combined Joint Task Force-101 commander, pinned on General Briggs' stars in front of a joint and coalition audience.

A brigadier general is a commissioned officer who is entitled to fly a flag to represent where he or she exercises command, hence the term 'flag officer.' All flag officers must be nominated by the President of the United States and then confirmed by the U.S. Senate. General Briggs was presented with his personal flag by the AFCENT commander.

"This is an important day," General Hostage said. "We pick our very best and our very brightest to lead Airmen in combat.

"Being selected to command the 455th AEW was because of our estimation of what he could do for this wing in combat in partnership with the ground force commander," General Hostage said. "He knows what combat is like, he knows how to lead men and women in combat and how to be a partner. You've got the right guy leading this wing."

General Hostage recounted a career that could be summed up with the phrase, 'The road less traveled.'

From becoming an instructor pilot as a lieutenant at his first duty station to his selection as the first Olmsted Scholar to the Republic of Hungary, to taking the reins as the Director of Inspections at the Pentagon, General Hostage noted the unorthodox career path that gave the new general officer the right amount of breadth to lead Airmen into combat.

After the pinning ceremony and the presentation of his command flag, General Briggs addressed the audience.

"I've thought hard over the last couple of days about what to say," said the newly minted general after receiving his stars, "and I always come back to two words: 'Thank you.'"

Beginning with his staff and continuing with mentors accrued throughout a 24-year career, General Briggs thanked those who influenced and helped guide him to a level that only one in one thousand Air Force officers attain.

"I have to thank the many mentors I have been blessed to learn from. Your patience and firm hand has been the daily guide to me along my career," General Briggs said.

From his junior high Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps commander at San Jose Junior High School, the same school attended by General Campbell and the newly selected commander of AFCENT, Maj. Gen. Stephen L. Hoog, to Adm. James Stavridis, the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, General Briggs took time to recount the important role each has played.

"Each of these people had a direct positive effect on my performance and opportunities," he said.

It was from these folks the general said he learned the difference between simply calling himself an Air Force pilot and being an Air Force officer.

The general credited his circle of friends with keeping him grounded.

"No one can keep a fighter pilot's over-developed sense of self-worth in check better than a group of true friends," General Briggs said. "There are many and to you I say thank you for telling it like it is and keeping me honest."

The general's most sublime thanks and appreciation were reserved for his family.

"To my mother and father, your never-ending support and confidence in your son has made all the difference in my life. As parents, role models and friends you have shown me the truth," he said.

To his children, he said, "Your accomplishments make me happy, but who you are as people makes me proud."

Recognizing the important part a supportive spouse and partner plays in the success of a military career, General Briggs said to his wife, "Thank you for your undying love and support. Having an Air Force career is a team sport. We have lived every minute of it never knowing the next step, but always relying on each other to make the very best of the opportunities presented."

Thanks were followed by a reminder of the general's vision and definition of what airpower means to him.

"Airpower is the power of Airmen. That power does not come from rank or position. It comes from each of us doing our very best. It is the power of service, the power of integrity and the power of excellence," he said.

"It is a power that is needed more than ever in combat and I am honored to be a part of this incredible team capable of such incredible power."