ACC command chief visits Offutt

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Blake
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Chief Master Sgt. Steve McDonald, command chief of Air Combat Command, made his first visit to airmen at Offutt Sept. 29 through Oct. 2.

This was McDonald's first trip to Offutt since taking his new position. Among the many stops during his visit were the 557th Weather Wing, the Bennie Davis Maintenance Facility, the Ehrling Bergquist Clinic, the 55th Security Forces Squadron and the 20th Intelligence Squadron.

He also toured an E-4B, attended the 55th Wing enlisted promotion ceremony and spoke with the current Airman Leadership School class. His visit culminated in an enlisted all-call.
The event was led by the coining of several outstanding Airmen within Team Offutt.

"Thank you for what you do day-in and day-out and all the sacrifices you make," McDonald said. "This is my first time coming and talking to you and seeing what you do at Offutt. I was impressed. You have a very cool mission set."

He went on to talk about the three areas he wants to improve during his tenure: readiness, resiliency and respect.

"We have four generations serving in our Air Force now," McDonald said. "That brings a lot of different cultures and mindsets which brings a lot of diversity. We need to look out for the people around us. There is one thing that makes our Air Force better, and it's you."

He then opened the floor for a question-and-answer session. Airmen were even able to text him their questions.

He hit on topics such as deployment training, sexual assault, distance learning and special duties.

"It was nice for him to take time and come and talk to us about the things that are on our minds and answer the questions and concerns that everyone had," said Staff Sgt. Melanie Curtis, 55th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. "It makes you feel good about what you are doing when someone so high up shows you that they care what you think and that they are here to help.  I believe that he left the impression that no matter what your rank is, your ideas are important and should be heard and I really respect that."

Chief ended with expressing his gratitude to the Airmen.

"I want you to know [that] you matter," McDonald said. "You inspire me. You impress me. Thank you for everything you do and everything you will continue to do."