Fourth AF commander visits Grissom Published May 7, 2014 By Tech. Sgt. Douglas Hays 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Making his way to the crossroads of America, one numbered air force commander got a dose of Hoosier hospitality along with a taste of Midwestern work ethic. Brig. Gen. John C. Flournoy, Jr., 4th Air Force commander, along with Chief Master Sgt. Brian Wong, 4th AF command chief, visited Grissom Airmen during the April unit training assembly with the objective of meeting people, hearing their issues and identifying opportunities and challenges affecting wing mission readiness. "Most generals come in and spend a few hours at a base and move on," said Col. Bryan Reinhart, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. "General Flournoy was here for four full days giving him an in-depth look into our unit." Both the general and chief said they were impressed by those they met and by Grissom's facilities. "This unit is amazing," said Wong. "I can feel the camaraderie, and that you make things happen here." The chief also said he and the general were here to help in any way they could. "There are important missions here at Grissom, and we want to do what we can to help you," he elaborated. "We can lobby for resources that you need, and identify areas that we can assist - and to pat you on the back." Flournoy echoed that sentiment of wanting to help. "What are your pressure points," he routinely asked. "What are the burrs under your saddle?" For every stop he made on his tour of the base, whether he was talking to aerial porters, maintainers, cops or administrators, Flournoy reiterated that he's there for them and even invited them to email him if they had an issue that needed his attention. "My staff doesn't answer my emails," he said. "If you email me, I owe you an answer; it may not be the answer you want, but you'll have an answer." Flournoy also provided 9 points he expects from Airmen under his command as a sort of road map on good Airmanship. Those points included: - Live the Air Force core values 24/7 both on and off base and in or out of uniform - Treat others how you want to be treated (or how you'd like your family members treated) - Hold yourself and others accountable - Be fit to fight year round for military members - Be mission ready year round - Use your chain of command - Be a good wingman - Maintain a culture of compliance - Have fun "These points aren't rocket science," he said. "They are simple and achievable goals." During the whirlwind visit, one person spent more time with the general than anyone. 2nd Lt. John Pedro, 434th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels flight commander, was the general's escort over the weekend and said he came away impressed. "I've learned a lot just watching how he interacts with people," continued Pedro. "You can tell he cares about people." As an example of that, Flournoy helped lift the spirits of Tech. Sgt. Tramona Huxley, 434th Force Support Squadron services specialist, as he described her as an infection person. "You're smile is just what this unit needs." he said. "You make people feel better by your attitude and your service here." Flournoy said that good attitude and the desire to put service before self were evident at Grissom. "People vote with their feet," he said. "If they aren't happy they aren't going to continue to choose to serve." And, it was the general who also served in several capacities during his visit. Flournoy presided over the 434th Maintenance Group and 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron change of commands as well as participated in the annual awards banquet and pin-on ceremony for Col. Stephen McManus, 434th ARW staff judge advocate. "We kept him busy," Reinhart said. "He wanted a good look at Grissom, and we gave him one." Flournoy took command of 4th AF in November 2013, and has been visiting units under his command ever since that time. The 434th ARW falls under 4th AF and is the largest is KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected, visit Grissom on Facebook and Twitter.
