AFMC commander visits Kirtland AFB

  • Published
  • By DJ Babbitt
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger, commander of Air Force Materiel Command, visited Kirtland Air Force Base Oct. 25 and 26.

While here, the general visited with local Albuquerque civic leaders, including Mayor Richard Berry and members of the Kirtland Partnership Committee. She also toured the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Air Force Research Laboratories, and areas of the 377th Air Base Wing.

During a commander's all-call at the base theater Oct. 25, both the general and Chief Master Sgt. Michael Warner, AFMC command chief, addressed approximately 500 Airmen and civilians and stressed the importance of the mission and command priorities.

The general said she saw people taking what was available and using inventive thinking in order to complete the mission.

"It takes a team of people to accomplish what we do in the Air Force," she said.

The general went on to say that the two primary responsibilities of Air Force leaders are to the mission and the people.

"Do the right thing, both professionally and personally -- appreciating your people doesn't always mean a coin, but recognizing what they do and a 'thank you' is important," she said.

Wolfenbarger also spoke about her priorities as the AFMC commander.

"The No. 1 priority is to make sure we take care of what's on our job chart," said the general. "It's all about doing the very best you can with what assignment the Air Force gives you, along with a positive attitude."

Warner reiterated the general's priorities and added that Airmen must fully take part in furthering education and training, and encouraged everyone to take advantage of every opportunity.

Wolfenbarger summarized recent changes by discussing the multiple missions in AFMC and the recent 5-Center construct.

"The reorganization is much more effective and there is a unique culture to each center that supports all the Air Force missions," she said.

The general concluded the all-call by reinforcing the importance of Air Force responsibility.

"Taking care of our Air Force families is fundamental to what we all do," she said.