Air Force top leaders thank Al Udeid AB Airmen

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar (AFNS) -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright visited Al Udeid Air Base to meet and speak with service members Dec. 19 and 20, 2018.

On the first day of their visit, Goldfein and Wright held a base-wide “all call” where they discussed topics such as leader development, readiness training, and the importance of the mission while offering Airmen the opportunity to give feedback and ask questions.

“If we don’t get out and listen and squint with our ears, we get disconnected from the service,” Goldfein said. “This is our opportunity to have you speak truth to power, for us to squint with our ears and really listen to you.”

The following day, Wright took the time to talk to Airmen in various work centers including dining facilities, construction sites, and the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron wheel and tire shop. At each stop, Wright recognized exceptional performers while encouraging each Airman he came across to feel invested in their service.

“You own this Air Force and you have to treat it like that every day,” said Wright. “When you feel like you own it, you’re more apt to make the right decisions to provide us the feedback we need to get after the things that are in our span of control.”

The two leaders also thanked Airmen for the work they do in support of the nation’s defense.

“Thank you, not only for what you’re doing for our nation, not only for what you’re doing for our Air Force and the joint force, but for the incredible support you provide me, the (chief of staff) and the secretary of the Air Force,” said Wright. “Our ears are wide open and we want to continuously hear from you and get feedback on how we’re doing.”

Along with expressing gratitude, Goldfein connected the service of Al Udeid Airmen with the safety enjoyed by their family members and friends located elsewhere.

“In your hometown, your family, my family back home … they’re not worried about getting attacked,” said Goldfein. “That’s not because there aren’t folks out there who aren’t trying. We’re here forward so that our families can be safe back home. America sleeps well at night because Al Udeid (AB) doesn’t. Never underestimate the importance of your service in uniform, at this time, when our nation needs us most.”

Al Udeid AB is just one stop for Goldfein and Wright as they travel to meet Airmen throughout U.S. Air Forces Central Command’s area of responsibility.