AETC/CCC visits CAFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chase Hedrick
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The command chief, Air Education and Training Command visited Columbus Air Force Base from Feb. 10 to Feb. 12.

During his stay here Command Chief Master Sgt. James Cody learned about CAFB, Team BLAZE, and gave out advice for taking care of fellow Airmen.

While here, he discussed building professional relationships and caring for Airmen as a mentor with the other Chiefs he said. He later shared his thoughts with the base's enlisted population.

"You have to get to know your Airmen," said Chief Cody. "Know what's important to them; knowing if they have kids, knowing how their spouse is doing, knowing what's going on in their life. That kind of stuff is important, it's fundamental, it's inspiring."

During the enlisted call the following morning he expanded on the thoughts with a technique to go beyond depending on casual greetings to understand an Airman's current state without causing a highly uncomfortable situation. Taking the extra time to listen and find out what's going on in that Airmen's life.

"It's about 90 seconds, and that's a lifetime of silence," said Chief Cody. "So think about that next time you sit down with your Airmen."

Other topics at the call were introduced by attendees including concerns about end strength, training materials, and Enlisted Performance Ratings.

"The most important thing I can do for the command and for our Air Force is to hear what's on your mind and bring that back to the boss," he said.

Having heard from the Airmen Chief Cody said he went to see the rest of the base, receiving tours of the new child development center as well as the training facilities for 14th FTW security forces and the air traffic controllers.

"Base looks great! Lots of new things, lots of construction going on," he said. "There's a lot of effort to make improvements,"

"I'm very impressed with the dedication and the energy that the Airmen I've met here have towards getting the mission done and supporting the students here," Chief Cody concluded.