AFMC command chief praises Edwards Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stacy Sanchez
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Air Force Materiel Command's top enlisted Airman visited Edwards to observe its mission and to speak to Airmen at the bases' enlisted call Dec. 17. 

During the enlisted call at the base theater, Chief Master Sgt. Jonathan Hake, AFMC command chief, reminded Edwards Airmen of the important role they play in the Air Force's mission to fly, fight and win. 

"Success is built on relationships," Chief Hake said. "We need to understand what each member of Edwards contributes. Everyone makes a difference here, and everyone has value to make this great Edwards team work." 

Chief Hake said that Edwards has an exciting mission. 

"I was given the opportunity to spend time with several Airmen who spoke to me about what exciting things they do on base," Chief Hake said . "People don't understand the great things that happen here. I tell everyone that Edwards has an air show just about every day. But behind those outstanding aircraft are some outstanding maintainers and operators who keep them flying at their absolute best." 

To maintain high morale throughout the base, Chief Hake said leaders need to give recognition to their deserving Airmen. 

"Supervisors need to recognize when someone does a good job or does something above and beyond," Chief Hake said. "Take the time to notice what your Airmen are doing. I know Airman Hake appreciated a simple thank you. Airmen appreciate the small gestures from their supervisors." 

During his stay, Chief Hake visited the dental clinic, Airman and Family Readiness Center, base housing, the 95th Security Forces Squadron and Explosive Ordnance Disposal. 

Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis, 95th Air Base Wing command chief, said this was a perfect opportunity to showcase the entire base and to show how Team Edwards contributes to AFMC's mission. 

Chief Hake said his visit to the base reminded him of all the great people who live and work on Edwards.

"The people here have such great enthusiasm," Chief Hake said. " I've been in for almost 30 years now, and if you would have asked me 26 years ago if Airman Hake would have still been in the Air Force, I would have said no. I thought I was only going to do my four years and go home, but I stayed in the Air Force because of places like Edwards. The Airmen here are dedicated to what they do." 

With the holidays around the corner, Chief Hake's last words to Airmen during his enlisted call was to remind everyone of the importance of safety over the holidays. 

"As we head into the holidays, we want everyone who goes away to their family to come back to the team," the chief said. "Now, this is going to require extra effort from our senior non-commissioned officers, NCOs and fellow Airmen. We all have a responsibility to look out for one another."