Secretary of the Air Force visits 442d FW

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Daniel Phelps
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) visited here May 29 to talk with Airmen of Team Whiteman in order to learn about the installation's various capabilities and meet the people who make the missions happen.

She toured the Active Duty 509th Bomb Wing, the Missouri Air Guard 131st Bomb Wing and the 442nd Fighter Wing.

"It is truly an honor to have Madame Secretary James and Congresswoman Hartzler here to give them a look behind the curtain and show them what it is we do every day," said Col. Hubie Hegvedt, 442nd FW commander.

During her stop at the 442nd FW, James and Hartzler spoke with Airmen from various 442 FW sections who all play a vital role in the mission of the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

She held a luncheon with members of the communities surrounding Whiteman where she spoke of future plans for the Air Force, thanked the community for their unwavering support of Whiteman and encouraged them to hire veterans.

"Whiteman would not be able to be here without you all and your support for this base has been outstanding," James said.

After the tour of the base, there was an all-call for all Airmen of Team Whiteman where she spoke of her future plans for the Air Force and why force structuring is needed.