86th AW command chief says goodbye

Chief Master Sgt. Renee Starghill
86th Airlift Wing command chief


It is my heartfelt belief that there is a time and season for everything we do throughout our lives.  My time and season here in the KMC and the 86th Airlift Wing has come and gone. As I reflect on all the things that occurred, it’s hard to believe three years have passed. It’s been my honor to serve with the professionals who’ve taken up the mantle and ensured our mission success.

***image1***As a team, we’ve compiled an admirable list of successes and
accomplishments. The myriad of inspections we’ve effectively accomplished are perfect examples of the hard work and dedication each of you commit to every day – regardless of the inspection type, the results were always “Excellent.” Your “One team, One Fight” approach earned the base the distinction as the 2006 Commander-in-Chief’s Installation Excellence Award winner.

We also supported various humanitarian efforts around the world, including the arrival of hundreds of American citizens departing from Lebanon. Despite the task, your performance was nothing less than superb and the difference between success and failure.

With your support and leadership, we made things better for our enlisted force across the board. We improved the quality of life and living conditions for our dorm residents, and instituted a DUI Task Force placing emphasis on reducing our alcohol related incidents. Furthermore, we established a monthly KMC senior enlisted forum that facilitates communication and provides a means to address areas that impact the community. And finally, the relationships we have forged throughout the KMC with local communities and our Army partners have provided a stable, secure and cohesive working and living environment for the entire KMC family.

Before I depart, I want to leave you with one thought I hold very dear. We find ourselves in a constant state of change designed to improve the efficiency and operational capability of our Air Force.

We must never forget or lose sight of the requirement to develop our Airmen. What we do in Airman development today will not only impact our future leaders, but will ensure we remain the most dominant Air Force in the world for years to come. 

You are the world’s greatest air and space force, and I thank you for selfless dedication in the defense of our great nation. 

I wish Chief Master Sgt. Harry Viel, the new 86th AW command chief, the very best.