Grissom leaders serve up holiday cheer Published Dec. 17, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Andrew McLaughlin 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- The holiday season is a time of year for traditions, including one that allows Grissom's leaders to show how much they care for their Airmen. Col. Don Buckley, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander, along with other Grissom commanders, officers, chiefs and first sergeants, took time to serve a holiday meal to Airmen at the base dinning facility Dec. 7. "It shows solidarity between all of us," said Buckley as he dished out the holiday fixings. "It lets Airmen know we are there to take care of them." Base leadership serving food has become a tradition of sorts during Grissom's primary unit training assembly each December, said Capt. Jonathan Murphy, 434th Force Support Squadron force support officer. Murphy said he believes the tradition sends an important message and speaks to the relationship of leaders and their troops. "It's symbolic," he continued. "The commanders remind them that their role is to also serve." He also said the leaders can learn something new from the experience as well. "It's something different for them," said Murphy. "They can experience what services does and interact with people there; part of leading is showing that you care." The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft routinely deploy from the 434th ARW in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives. Stay connected with Grissom and the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
