100th ARW commander holds pre-ORI pep rally

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Austin M. May
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  The 100th Air Refueling Wing commander's latest public speaking engagement was much more than a standard commander's call.

Col. Chad Manske held a pre-Operational Readiness Inspection pep rally Oct. 2 to let his Airmen know he's behind them during the two-week test of their warfighting abilities.

"The inspectors will tell you they expect a satisfactory rating, which is average," the colonel said. "But after all your preparation - all the time you've spent sweating in MOPP 4 - I'd get mad if I were called average!"

The colonel's words were met with thunderous applause as he reminded the wing of the Air Force Core Values, and led the audience in several outbursts of the wing's new battle cry - "Where Eagles Dare!"

Colonel Manske called his fellow commanders and the wing command chief out onto the basketball court of the Hardstand Fitness Center and proposed a challenge to the wing. He said if the wing's overall ORI rating is "excellent," the commanders will shave their heads. He added if the wing scores "outstanding," Chief Master Sgt. Antonio Hickey will also voluntarily go bald.

The commander highlighted the identified ORI "players," asking them to stand and be recognized by their peers, before asking everyone in the audience to stand. He stressed the point that everyone will be expected to support the wing during the ORI, and if a "non player" is called upon to participate, they should accept the task willingly and perform to the best of their abilities.

To close the pep rally, Colonel Manske asked the wing to join him in singing the Air Force song, then he and his fellow commanders high-fived Airmen as they left the fitness center.