Page 34 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2016

KEESLER AFB letters from commanders
IN COMMAND
An in-depth look at the Commanders of Keesler Air Force Base
Colonel
Colonel
Michele C. Edmondson
Frank L. Amodeo
Commander, 81st Training Wing
2016 marks the 75th anniversary of Keesler Air Force Base, and I am truly privileged to hold the office of the 41st commander of this amazing instal- lation.
From our humble Army Air Corps beginning in 1941, to today’s bustling training mission of 12,000 active duty, reserve, and civilian Airmen, the Gulf Coast community has remained the cornerstone of this installation. Our community partnerships span every facet of our mission. From our medical part- nerships with local hospitals, to our Joint Land Use Study team, to our wonderful honorary command- ers, the collaboration between our Airmen and the Gulf Coast community has made Keesler a great place for our Airmen to work and live.
It’s important to pause and recognize tremendous milestones such as this. In the military, we hold his- tory and heritage very close to our hearts, and for an installation that predates the Air Force itself, 75 years of training our Airmen to defend our nation and our families is a milestone worth celebrating!
So, on behalf of the men and women of Keesler Air Force Base, thank you. For those of us who move constantly from place to place, it is a great privi- lege to live in a community that feels so much like home.
Here’s to another 75 years!
Commander, 403rd Wing, Air Force Reserve
The 403rd Wing celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Keesler Air Force Base and the amazing men and women who have accom- plished so much through the years in defense of our great nation.
The 403rd Wing, which has been at Keesler since 1983, has ties back to World War II and is the only ying organization on the base. We are also the only Air Force Reserve wing in Mississippi. More than 1,500 reservists from 30 states, including 45 Department of the Air Force Civilians and 380 full-time Air Reserve Techni- cians, serve in the wing delivering diverse global capabilities for the Department of Defense around the globe. We possess 10 C-130J and 10 WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft supporting our three y- ing missions — aeromedical evacuation, weather reconnaissance and tactical airdrop.
Since arriving at Keesler, our Citizen Airmen have served around the world, responding decisively to defend freedom and continu- ously protect our homeland. The Hurricane Hunters support the National Hurricane Center to improve forecasts; the Flying Jennies deliver supplies, equipment and personnel for Combatant Com- manders in many theaters of operation; and our new 36th Aero- medical Evacuation Squadron brings a proud history of lifesaving in ight capabilities for patients around the globe. Our operators, maintainers, mission support, and medical personnel are part of a combat-ready, cost-e ective and experienced Air Force Reserve.
It’s an honor to command this team of professional Citizen Air- men, supported by a community that ensures our continued suc- cess. With you, Team Keesler will continue to sel essly provide for the defense of our great country for the next 75+ years. Thank you!
34 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • July 2016
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