Familiar faces welcome ACC command chief

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rick Parsons returned to a familiar Moody Air Force Base Aug. 1 to 3, only this time as the command chief of Air Combat Command.

Parsons has been stationed at Moody three times throughout his career, most recently as the 23d Wing command chief master sergeant from June 2009 to December 2010.

"Coming to visit as the ACC command chief, you get a different perspective of how Moody and its unique mission fits into the larger picture of what the Air Force does, in particular the combatant Air Force downrange," said Parsons. "It makes me appreciate the efforts of these Airmen that much more."

Moody is home to A-10C Thunderbolt IIs, which are known for their 30 mm GAU-8/A seven-barrel Gatling gun and effectiveness at providing close-air-support.

"As you know, close-air-support is critical to what we do for the Department of Defense," Parsons said. "Our sister service relies on us to maintain air dominance, so they can focus on the ground threat. Our close-air-support ensures they have the best chance of making it home to their families."

But, if something does happen, the 347th Rescue Group has the important mission of bringing those people home safely.

"Should they be engaged and should they get wounded, it's good to know our rescue teams are there to pull them out of harm's way," the command chief said. "I like to tell people our rescue teams and medical personnel give courage to people who are out there fighting the battles. They affect and help these people even if they're never wounded because they know rescue and medical personnel are there to pull them out of any situation.

"People fighting the battles are able to face more danger and probably willing to accept more risk when it comes to combat by just knowing the rescue teams are there," he added.

One Moody Airman remembers Parsons from his time as the command chief at Moody and a trip he made to Kabul, Afghanistan, as the command chief of United States Air Forces Central Command, Southwest Asia.

"I was impressed by his leadership," said Master Sgt. Sonya Couture, 23d Operations Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment superintendent. "He is the kind of leader I strive to be. He can seem stern and demanding, but he has a kind heart.

"I remember when he came to Kabul, Afghanistan, while I was deployed," she added. "It was nice to see a familiar face."

During his visit, Parsons spoke at an all-call Aug. 2 where he addressed impending cuts to the Air Force budget and the push for a smaller service.

"I tell Airmen there are three things to focus on," Parsons said. "The first thing is quality over quantity. We have to have the very best output from every Airman we have out there, the very best output from every resource, and we have to be more efficient and effective at everything we do.

"Next, we have to set priorities," the command chief added. "We can no longer do everything. We have to establish what's most important and do those things with the people and resources we have."

Parsons added that the Air Force has to stay focused only on what it needs to do to complete the mission for the Air Force and DOD.

The final message from Parsons was Comprehensive Airman Fitness, ensuring Airmen and families are ready to deal with the challenges of the future.

"As we face challenging situations in America and in the service, I encourage everybody to remain focused on the four pillars of health," Parsons said. "Live a balanced life, and always understand that you have to consciously stay focused on the social, emotional, spiritual and physical aspects of health.

"Make a plan to incorporate those in everyday activities," he added. "That gives you the best chance to stay healthy, not only in your career, but also with your family."