Wing commander addresses Team Kadena

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Corey M. Pettis
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 18th Wing commander spoke to junior enlisted Airmen and staff sergeants during the first of five all-calls here Dec. 14.

Brig. Gen Barry Cornish, who took command in April this year, used the briefing to speak with the Airmen before the holidays and emphasize safety and maintaining their high level of teamwork, professionalism and commitment.

Cornish emphasized his belief that all Airmen are part of a team and that teamwork is key to a productive fighting force.

"Each one of you is that defensive wall that stands between your country and anyone who wants to do it harm." said Cornish. "But the mortar that holds those bricks together is trust, loyalty and respect."

As bricks in that wall, Cornish said Airmen have an innate responsibility to support one another and learn to mitigate risks, especially during the holiday season.

"Mishaps occur, but usually somewhere along the line there are opportunities for someone to step in and stop it," Cornish said. "Be that person. Have the moral courage to step in and say 'the team can't afford this.' If you do that this holiday season, then every one of you will be back in the fight when we need you."

Along with being a team, the commander also stressed his priorities of resilient Airmen, exemplary leadership, readiness, innovation and realistic training.

It is resiliency and leadership people count on when times get tough, readiness and innovation to use the manning and materials available to accomplish the mission, and realistic training to prepare for anything.

Cornish discussed the importance of the role of every Airman on Kadena. With other entities in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Theater, the Airmen here are the key to sustaining peace in the region and around the world.

"I don't think anyone has really made me realize how critical our role is here until today," said Senior Airman Andres Cervantes 18th Force Support Squadron out-bound technician. "We have a huge involvement in this side of the Pacific, and we all have a huge part in the mission. It's up to us to stay ready at all times in the case of conflict."

Additional commander's calls will be held throughout the next couple days for the other ranks in the services. For technical sergeants and above, briefings are slated from 10-11 a.m., and civilian government employees are scheduled to meet from 3-4 p.m. Dec. 15.

The all-call for officers is scheduled to be held Dec. 16 from 9-10 a.m.