News

AETC Command Chief visits CAFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Danielle Powell
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. --  "If you ask me what it is that I expect of any Airman, including myself, it really is simply our core values. To have integrity in what we do, to place service to others before self and to be excellent in whatever endeavor that we do in our service," said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Luzader, Command Chief Master Sergeant of Air Education and Training Command. 

Chief Luzader visited Columbus AFB Thursday and Friday with his wife, Terry, along with AETC Commander General William Looney and his wife, Marilyn. 

During his time here, the chief visited several base agencies, met with civic leaders from Columbus and attended many 60/65 heritage events. 

"The trip to Columbus has been completely enjoyable for both Terry and me. When you travel to a lot of organizations you see different levels of leadership, different levels of enthusiasm and professionalism. It is clear that the Columbus BLAZE does burn bright," Chief Luzader said. "It is amazing that Columbus captures both enlisted and officer history during this year of the Air Force's birthday. Every organization I went to and every event that they pulled off was with great professionalism, pride and energy. The BLAZE Team is an Air Force family." 

Chief Luzader is the senior enlisted leader responsible to the AETC commander for the professional development, military readiness and mission effectiveness of the command's enlisted Airmen. He said one of the main differences between today's Air Force and when he joined is the size of today's force. "When I joined there were about 680,000 Airmen, now we have about 315,000 Airmen." Another difference is that today's force is a completely volunteer force. 

"Today's Airmen are incredibly impressive. When you think that this is a total volunteer force, (that means) young men and women are entering the United States Air Force when the nation is at war. Many have three or four deployments under their belt. They continue to serve with honor, continue to salute smartly and say 'Send me. I'm ready.' Hundreds of ways daily, they meet my expectations," Chief Luzader said. 

The Air Force recently adopted the Airman's Creed. In the last paragraph, it reads, "I will never leave an Airman behind." Chief Luzader sees this as something all Airmen need to adopt in their daily lives. 

"We may think that is only on the battlefield, but it also refers to our neighbors in the dormitory or in housing. That means looking across the room at a holiday celebration and seeing another Airman that needs your support. It's the spouse of a deployed Airman that needs some help around the house. I hope that we all internalize this and embrace it," he said.