CMSAF visits Incirlik, brings words of wisdom

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tim Beckham
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley visited Turkey April 7 to April 9, leaving Team Incirlik with some parting words of wisdom during an all Airmen's call in Hangar Four.

Chief McKinley talked about many things, but none more important than winning the current war.

"Our number one Air Force priority is winning the war on terrorism," he said. "This war is not going to end anytime soon and this war is not just in Iraq and Afghanistan - it's worldwide."

Chief McKinley also said the Air Force wants to develop and build upon its warrior spirit.

"What we're really trying to do is instill the warrior ethos in our Airmen," the chief said. "We have to find ways to take the warrior ethos we learn in basic training and continue that in technical school and on into future assignments."

The chief talked about making responsible choices in our daily on and off duty activities and stressed:

"Make good, positive choices before you go places," he said.

The Air Force's top enlisted Airman, wearing the new Airman Battle Uniform, addressed the benefits of the new uniform in style, comfort and serviceability.

"It's a much more functional uniform, much more comfortable, that you put in a washing machine, put in a dryer, then take it out and put it on," he said. "It's going to save our Airmen a tremendous amount of time and money down the line by not having to take it to the cleaners, not spending the time ironing it, not having to polish the boots."

Chief McKinley praised Team Incirlik members for their devotion to the mission and taking care of themselves and other Airmen.

"The programs that you have here going to educate Airmen on alcohol awareness are fantastic programs. I'm going to look at introducing these programs elsewhere in the Air Force," he said. "Also, your PT program, I'm just in awe at the level of physical fitness that this wing has. Team Incirlik has many great things going on here, and much of that comes because of great leadership at all levels. I've been very impressed during my visit here to Incirlik Air Base."