Mission first ... Airmen always

  • Published
  • By Col. Chris Funk
  • 482nd Fighter Wing commander
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  I want to thank each and every service member, spouse and person who worked to make the 482nd Fighter Wing change of command a huge success! My family and I received a warm welcome to the base and we're really excited to become part of the Homestead community. This will be the first of many blogs I will write, and you can also check out my @poacherfunk482 Twitter feed.

During the change of command, I spoke about being mission oriented while taking care of our Airmen so they're able to accomplish the mission. Being in the Reserve during this fiscally stressed time is not easy. The demands of being a reservist while balancing a civilian job and family can often create challenges. It's my goal as commander to provide the support needed so you're ready for upcoming deployments and able to support our mission to fly, fight and win, while also working through the furlough and follow on fiscal challenges.

My first few weeks on the job will be spent learning as much as I can about the organizations and units so I can provide support where it's needed. I plan to spend time with all of the squadrons, staff and tenant units to learn the issues you're facing and how I can help as your wing commander.

I can tell you we'll most certainly face challenges as a wing, especially in dealing with sequestration. Our flying hours have been reduced nearly 18 percent and impacts will be felt in our operational readiness. We have to work to mitigate those effects while training to gear up for deployments.

In addition to sequestration, our civilians have been furloughed, losing 20 percent of their pay. This harms both morale and productivity. Without question, sequestration is causing major harm to the Department of Defense and our wing. However, even with limited resources, the base will continue to function, performing the mission while prioritizing tasks to "do less with less."

During this coming August Unit Training Assembly, we as a wing will pause to share an important dialogue about Sexual Assault Prevention and Response. The day's events, directed by the Secretary of Defense and top Air Force leaders, will include interactive commander's calls and small-group training sessions across the installation. I want to be very clear, sexual assault is not and will not be tolerated in our military or at Homestead.

The Stand-Down Day training will emphasize that sexist behavior, sexual harassment, and sexual assault will not be overlooked or ignored; Airmen at all levels, both military and civilian, will be held accountable for their conduct and behavior; and victims of these criminal acts will be treated with dignity, respect, and provided the best medical and rehabilitative care available. Those who think that it's 'okay' to behave in a way that demeans or exploits their fellow Airmen have no place in our Air Force.

While we will be working through some demanding issues, I'm confident we'll all work together as a team to meet these challenges head-on. I look forward to getting out from behind my desk to spend time working with each and every one of you. Until then, thanks, Team Makos, for all you do!