AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, Third Air Force commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Randy Kwiatkowski, Third Air Force command chief, engaged with Airmen from the 31st Fighter Wing during his visit to Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 10-11, 2021.
Reed and Kwiatkowski gained insight on the base’s priorities, mission capabilities, and plans for future innovation during his time visiting Aviano Air Base.
“Chief Kwiatkowski and I visit to understand the Airmen, families, and mission; it’s not possible to separate them,” Reed said. “There is an amazing chemistry here and we needed to see it first-hand. As a result, we are more informed to help where needed.”
These distinguished visitors met with different base agencies, each of them showcasing their knowledge and capabilities within their specialties. Airmen shared their creative ways to accomplish the 31st FW mission with Reed, highlighting the improvement on the community’s quality of life.
During the visit, Reed and Kwiatkowski also attended briefings with the medical control center, public health and the travel working group to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of resilience throughout the wing.
“Resiliency is key, but the secret sauce here is the strength of the community,” said Reed. “Chief Kwiatkowski and I have heard from mission hackers, students, care providers and more that COVID presents extreme challenges, but the human spirit through unity is vital to success!”
The wing recently opened the Comprehensive Operational Medicine for Battle Ready Airmen (COBRA) Clinic, which demonstrated how the 31st FW is accelerating into the future with new innovative ideas. These ideas include the creation of a hub and spoke model of care incorporating diagnosis, recovery, rehabilitation, and performance optimization into a single unified mission.
“COBRA and Airmen 4 Life are just a couple of many homegrown ideas that make life better,” said Reed. “These ideas prove the power of selfless commitment to improve others is both inspirational and motivating. In fact, it is yet more proof of the unique chemistry here that strengthens individuals, the community, and the mission. Keep it up!”
Airmen from the 31st FW are remaining informed and empowered to come up with unique solutions and make smart recommendations and decisions to keep the mission going.
Throughout the visit, 3rd AF leadership took the time to recognize some of 31st FW’s exceptional performers. He spoke with Airmen to learn more about who they were and their accomplishments, and expressed his appreciation for the dedication and hard work of the entire case community.