22nd Air Force command chief checks on his troops

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tabitha Dupas
  • 403rd Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. --  Chief Master Sgt. Steven M. Larwood, 22nd Air Force command chief, visited the 403rd Wing for April's Unit Training Assembly to meet the Airmen and hear their ideas and concerns.

"I think it is important for people at wing level to have access to headquarters for any concerns or problems that can't be fixed at the local level, they have a mechanism to voice those concerns up the chain of command to get to MAJCOM (Major Command)," said Chief Larwood.

The 22nd Air Force conducts monthly visits to all of its assigned wings according to the command chief. In doing so, they are able to ensure the Airmen are ready to do their jobs when called upon and are developing in their careers.

"I enjoy meeting the different people," he said. "I go to one wing and meet talented Airmen and think these are the smartest and sharpest Airmen I've ever seen. Then I go to another wing and get impressed all over again."

Before starting the day, Chief Larwood had breakfast with Airmen at the Live Oak dining facility. Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Woitalla, 403rd Wing command chief, escorted Chief Larwood to the squadrons and shops to meet more Reservists to learn of their different jobs in which the wing.

He stopped by the 403rd Operational Support Squadron's aircrew flight equipment shop, where Master Sgt. Ray Reynolds, shop supervisor, was able to discuss the shop's efficiencies and things he would like to see happen.

"A visit from the chief is always a plus," said Sergeant Reynolds. "It lets the workers and supervisors know that upper management is present and cares enough to stop by to check on personnel."

"One of the best things about my job is going to the numerous organizations because everyone does things differently," said Chief Larwood. "When I find a program that's being done at one base, I can encourage them to share that with other bases that may be struggling in that area."

After the tour and discussion, the chief was able to attempt a few jumps in a parachute simulator.

"Experiences like this definitely give you an appreciation of what other people do in the Air Force," said Chief Larwood. "As the command chief, I represent everybody, so I can't just focus on one career field. I enjoy seeing what other Airmen are exposed to in their jobs."

"The visit is helpful on both ends," said Sergeant Reynolds. "The chief can hear what is going on in the work place on a first hand basis. Then in return, we as workers can hear what changes, events, etc. that are being developed in the numbered Air Force arena. The visit was very welcomed and highly appreciated."

Chief Larwood last visited the 403rd Wing during the May 2010 UTA. Since then, he said he noticed that the overall attitude of the wing has improved.

"Personally, I get re-glued every time I go to a different organization because you get the excitement of why you still serve all over again when you meet people at all different stages of their career," said Chief Larwood. "I meet brand new Airmen still in their first year of service all the way up to chiefs who are getting ready to retire. "It brings everything full circle of why we still do what we do."