AFA chairman tours Moody

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Parker Gyokeres
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The head of the Air Force Association spent two days meeting with Team Moody members Dec. 4-5.

Bob Largent, chairman of the board for the Air Force member-based service organization, was visited the base to see first-hand the Airmen, missions and unique capabilities of the Flying Tigers.

"While it's difficult to pinpoint one particular aspect of the visit, I'd have to say my favorite part was the high degree of professionalism displayed by every Airman I met," said Mr. Largent. "The most impressive part was their positive attitude, ingenuity and articulate knowledge of their individual responsibilities. Every single Airman I met made a positive impression."

During the first day of his tour, Mr. Largent was briefed on the many tools and capabilities of Moody's 820th Security Forces Group.  Stops included briefings and demonstrations on the group's various and unique combat capabilities.

While at the 820th SFG, the AFA chairman also presented Robert LeFever, the group's chief of operations and training, with the 2007 AFA Outstanding Civilian Manager Award.

Day two of the visit focused on the teamwork aspect that is required for Moody to accomplish it missions worldwide. It began with a speech to the Jason D. Cunningham Airman Leadership School class 08-A about their role as Flying Tigers in today's global air and space force.

"The 23rd Wing brings a tremendous capability to the fight with a complete team effort...along with unique capabilities," said Mr. Largent. "With the only stateside active duty combat search and rescue unit and the special capabilities of the security forces group, Moody's missions are critical. Combine this expertise and talent with the enhanced capabilities of 'new' A-10C, and the 23rd Wing is in the forefront of the Air Forces' combat capability today."

Mr. Largent then saw part of Moody's combat capability up close with a live-fire combat search and rescue demonstration at the Grand Bay Training and Gunnery Range.

The demonstration included an HC-130P Combat King dropping a team of pararescuemen behind simulated enemy lines to rescue an 'injured' Airman hiding in the woods within sight of the range's viewing stand. As an A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft provided top cover with deafening bursts from their massive 30mm cannons, HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters swept in to pull out the injured pilot. After the team was safely extracted, the HC-130P's returned over the stands to demonstrate refueling the helicopters for the trip home.

The display was a success, both in mission and message, said Mr. Largent.

"Since becoming AFA's National President in 2004 and Chairman of the Board in 2006, my trip to Moody is the latest in more than 50 individual bases I have visited over the past three-and-a-half years," he said. "I can think of few, if any, Air Force organizations that match the capabilities and expertise of the 23rd Wing."

The sentiment was mirrored by Col. Kenneth Todorov, 23rd Wing commander.

"Once again, the 'Flying Tigers' put their best foot forward, and the wing did a phenomenal job showcasing its capabilities," said Colonel Todorov. "As the AFA Chairman of the Board, Mr. Largent educates the public about the critical role of aerospace power in the defense of our nation and supports the Air Force and the Air Force family. I know he came away with a new appreciation for what our Airmen bring to the fight; I'm confident he'll be able to better articulate the contributions of all of us who make it our business to 'Attack, Rescue and Protect'."

Before he left, Mr. Largent thanked those that made his visit so enjoyable.

"On behalf of the entire AFA, I would like to extend our thanks to each and every Airman at Moody and their families for their service, sacrifices, professionalism, ingenuity and warrior ethos," he said. "We at the AFA, and all Americans, can be proud of the Airmen of the 23rd Wing."