Command Chief says farewell Published May 3, 2012 By Chief Master Sgt. Allan W. Sturges II 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- For the first time in a long while, I've struggled with what I wanted to write as my final words to you. Public Affairs is frustrated with me because I'm late getting this article done. I've been writing for about three weeks now, and still haven't gotten it done. I'm like that cartoon character that's trying to write a novel, types a couple of sentences, stops and pulls the paper out of the typewriter, and throws it onto the growing pile of papers on the floor. For more than 30 years I have been doing UTAs and annual tours with you. I've deployed to our checkered flag bases (that's showing my age) and supported contingency operations like Deny Flight, Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Operation Close Call, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. I've grown old with a lot of you. I've seen you get married and have kids, and I've grieved with you when friends and family have died. I've seen husbands and wives join the unit, and I've seen your sons and daughters join the wing; I've even seen my son join the unit. This is what reservists do. I have always been proud of you and our unit. We have been successful because of the type of people you are. You have a work ethic that makes you come out for the UTAs when you could be sleeping in or going to church. You have the maturity to make sound, well-thought-out decisions. And you have the sense of patriotism that when our nation calls for volunteers, you do so. But you don't do it alone -- your family and civilian employer are a vital part of your success. Our families support us while we're TDY or deployed by taking care of the home front and trying to keep Murphy's law from happening, but Murphy always strikes. We miss anniversaries, birthdays and other special events in our lives, but our families keep on pressing on to support us with our mission. Our employers support us also by giving us the time to drill, go TDY and deploy. We have asked a lot of them, both the families and employers as we prepared for our ORIs and deployments. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, give your spouse and kids a hug and a big "thanks" for all they do and tell your employer how much the 442nd Fighter Wing thanks them for supporting you, and the wing, with our mission. I leave this job knowing that we have a strong, resilient wing that can do whatever is asked, or tasked, to do. We truly are a family, so take care of each other. Keep yourself ready to deploy - mentally, physically and spiritually. The future is going to bring all kinds of change and uncertainty, but like all things this wing does, you will face those uncertainties and overcome them. The wing was doing that for 30 years before I joined, and it's been overcoming them for the 30 years I've served and it will overcome uncertainty in the years ahead because of you. Have a great UTA, and thank you for your service. God speed to all of you!