Columbus AFB to host spring commander's conference Published Jan. 22, 2009 By Maj. Leo Lawson Commander, 14th Communications Squadron COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. -- -- Columbus AFB has been chosen to host the Air Education and Training Command's spring 2009 Commander and Command Chief Conference March 2 through March 6. More than 105 Commanders, Command Chiefs, and staff leaders from AETC are expected to participate. Commander's conferences occur semi-annually and provide an opportunity for the AETC commander, Gen. Stephen Lorenz, to discuss leadership strategy in the command and address gaps which may exist between the current mission and overall end goals. The spring conference theme is "leadership" and will include three days of presentations and a staff tour of the Shiloh Battlefield. In addition to the AETC wing commanders and their command chiefs, commanders of Air University, 2nd Air Force, 19th Air Force and Air Force Recruiting Service and their Command Chief Master Sergeants will also be attending. Many BLAZE team members will be called upon to help host this event with the help of more than 40 members of the AETC staff, some whom will arrive a week before the conference. The several members of the AETC planning staff will be conducting another base visit Feb. 2 through Feb. 5 to work out many of the logistical and communication details for the conference. "This is a huge undertaking and will take the entire BLAZE team, Airmen and civilians alike to execute in true BLAZE fashion," noted Col. Roger Watkins, 14th Flying Training Wing commander. "This is also a great opportunity to show the rest of the command how special Columbus AFB is!"
