Commentary: Final salute to the wing

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Eric S. Overturf
  • 442nd Fighter Wing commander
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  This is my final commentary to you - the reservists - and friends - who have allowed my family and me to be a part of the best A-10 unit in the country.

As I head on to my next assignment in Washington D.C., I will not forget the many memories we've shared over the years. I have watched many people begin, flourish and retire their military careers with this wing - and do it with more pride than I've ever seen.

This wing has some of the most talented maintainers, pilots, and support personnel of any wing I've ever been a part of, and as proven by this wing's history, no amount of challenge is too difficult to overcome.

Together, we overcame an operational readiness inspection, multiple squadron and individual deployments; an air expeditionary force full-package combat deployment; a consolidated unit inspection; stand up and stand down of several geographically separated units and seamless total force integration with our new active association.

We set our goals and identified our mission - and because of you - we have accomplished every goal this wing set. You always stepped up to deploy and defend our country, and my family and I are thankful that willing Americans like you volunteer to stand on the front lines of freedom.

Karla and I are going to miss all the people we've met here who showed us true Midwest culture - rock solid core values, family oriented priorities, a constant willingness to help others and a hard-charging work ethic. You're going to see a lot of those same characteristics in the incoming commander because he was born and raised in the Midwest, so please give him the same warm welcome that I received.

When I give my final salute at the ceremony Sunday, please know I am saluting each of you for everything you do for this wing and our country. Spending time with you has given me renewed hope and faith in the future of our country, because I know you are raising the next generation of great Americans to carry on where we leave off.

It's been an honor to be your commander.