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AMC commander praises Fairchild

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Connie L. Bias
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The commander of Air Mobility Command visited the base and surrounding areas May 15-19. During his tour of AMC bases, Gen. Arthur Lichte "couldn't be happier with what I've seen here at Fairchild," he said.

"You can be very proud of what you're doing. You're accomplishing the mission. You're accomplishing the objectives of the United States," he said, adding that Team Fairchild clearly embodies the Air Force's top three priorities: winning the fight, taking care of people and preparing for the future.

"Anytime you take off and fuel the fight it's saving American lives; Fairchild is at the heart of fighting today's fight," said the general, "and Fairchild is the epitome of preparing for the challenges of the future. You're flying those tankers that are over 50 years old and being prepared to bring on a new tanker, integrate it into our inventory and figure out new ways to use it."

General Lichte, who entered the Air Force in 1971, served as wing commander here August 1995 - November 1996. As a former member of Fairchild and Spokane's "great community," the general stressed that he can still see that Fairchild is a "great place to live and work." He was also the Grand Marshall at Spokane's Armed Forces Torchlight Parade, a Lilac Festival event that has been running for 70 years. "When you're at Fairchild Air Force Base, you know your family is in a very safe spot and you know the community is going to take care of them while you're gone," said the general. "That is so very important. It's just as important as KC-135s, as C-17s and C-5s for our mission accomplishment. You have to have a great community support system to make sure our folks are encouraged to do what they're doing, and to make sure they understand the American people are behind them for what they're doing. Spokane proved that this weekend."

General Lichte returned to his home base at Scott after leaving Fairchild, departing the base with the following words of encouragement: "Just keep doing what you're doing. More than most bases, the team concept is alive and well here; it really is Team Fairchild. I'm proud of the people here and I'm proud that I can say I served here once myself."