AFRC Command Chief visits Team March

  • Published
  • By Capt. Perry Covington
  • 452nd AMW Public Affairs

MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. – Members of Team March had the rare opportunity to visit with the Air Force Reserve Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Ericka E. Kelly on November 17 and 18, 2017. Kelly spent two full days touring the base and meeting the members of the host wing and it’s mission partners.

 

“I’m always excited to see everyone here at March Air Reserve Base. For me it is sort of a homecoming,” said Kelly during a luncheon with enlisted members from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing.

 

Kelly, having spent several years at March herself, greeted many old friends as she made her way to the plethora of units found at the base and she made many new friends at the conclusion of each stop on her tour.

 

“This is an amazing opportunity for our people,” said 452nd Air Mobility Wing Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Cynthia Villa. “To speak with the highest enlisted member of the Air Force Reserve about the issues our Airman are facing and the successes our wing has had is a tremendous opportunity.”

 

During her visit, Kelly spent time with some of the top performers from various units and she had the chance to listen to the amazing stories of airmen doing great things for their mission sets.

 

“At the end of the day, it’s about the people. Our people make our wing great, and it’s our people that complete the mission with excellence,” said 163rd Attack Wing Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Gilbert Sanchez. “I’m glad we could showcase our people to Chief Kelly, and get them in front of that level of leadership.”

 

“Guard and Reserve act hand in hand in many ways,” Kelly stated to a group of guardsmen at the 163rd. “One team, no seam is not just a tagline I use casually, I believe in it wholeheartedly. Active duty recognizes that with the Guard and Reserve, the mission can be done professionally, efficiently, and economically.”

 

Kelly reiterated that message many times over as she met with Airman of Team March. Her time spent there was greatly appreciated by all who had the chance to meet her.

 

“It helps to know that the people making the decisions really have our best interests in mind,” said Master Sgt. Neil Ballecer, 163rd Attack Wing. “I’ve known Chief Kelly for many years, and she has always been about taking care of people and that has not changed to this day.”