COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, visited Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, with his wife, Maureen, and took a closer look at how members of the 14th Flying Training Wing train world class pilots May 1-2, 2023.
The Robinsons' first command visit was spent speaking with Airmen across the 14th FTW to see first-hand the daily operations and challenges within the wing.
"Thank you for what you and your families do to allow the First Command to produce America's Airmen," Robinson said. "You have a key role in that here at Columbus AFB. You produce pilots as the main mission, but you develop and produce Airmen in all AFSCs [Air Force specialty codes] as they go through upgrade or follow-on training after initial tech school. You also make sure that families are taken care of."
The Robinsons also received a housing and dormitory tour before splitting up for time with separate groups of Airmen. While Mrs. Robinson met with base spouses and toured the child development center and military and family readiness center, the general toured the base squadrons and visited Task Force 14 and the Comprehensive Readiness for Aircrew Flying Training (CRAFT) program. At the end of the first day, they both visited the recruiting office in Columbus, Mississippi, part of the 331st Recruiting Squadron, and attended a community event with local leaders.
"I am exceptionally proud of Team 14 and the incredible work they do day in and day out to build the future of our national defense," Grieve said. "Having Lt. Gen. and Mrs. Robinson here and telling them our story, sharing our successes and highlighting our efforts to get after opportunities is so important. Equally important though is that our Airmen got the chance to hear how their tactical expertise across our diverse career fields translates into strategic success for the nation."
Robinson coined top performers throughout his visit, presenting coins to Capt. Ryan Froerer, 41st Flying Training Squadron; Capt. Artur Romanishyn, 37th Flying Training Squadron; Capt. Hailey Faist, 14th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron; SSgt. Watasha McAfee, 331st Recruiting Squadron; Airmen 1st Class Savana Trout, 14th Healthcare Operations Squadron; Airman Celiness Febres-Rodriguez, 50th Flying Training Squadron; and Mrs. Joni Nalley, 14th Force Support Squadron.
Before his departure, he hosted a wing-wide all-call at the Kaye Auditorium, providing Airmen with his insight into how the mission of the 14th Flying Training Wing is important to AETC and the Air Force's overall mission. Robinson noted how AETC touches every aspect of the Air Force, making it a unique, foundational command to the United States Air Force.
"We produce and develop Airmen," Robinson said. "You, as Airmen are our most competitive advantage against our adversaries. It is by virtue of how we empower, train, employ and trust our Airmen to do their jobs that make us the world's greatest Air Force."
Robinson further explained the importance of empowering Airmen and how it generates Air Force readiness.
"We are making the transition to multi-capable Airmen, Robinson said. We all have our trained specialties, but I don't know a single Airman that wouldn't do what is right or needs to be done so that the mission, task or conflict is successful. You are a key part of making the world's best aviators and Airmen a reality."
The all-call concluded with Robinson presenting AETC-level awards to 2022 winners.
The winners are:
- Second Lt. Peyton Craven, 14th Flying Training Wing, Capt. Bradley R. Schuldt Outstanding Communication Company Grade Officer
- Master Sgt. Peter Schueler, 50th Flying Training Squadron, AETC Senior NCO
- Mr. John Wooten, 14th Civil Engineering Squadron, Category II Civilian Non-Supervisory
- Columbus AFB Chapel Team, Outstanding Medium Chapel Team