AMC Commander Visits the 139th Airlift Wing

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Rhonda Brown
  • 139th Airlift Wing
St. Joseph, Mo. --  Gen. Raymond Johns Jr., Air Mobility Command (AMC) commander, paid a visit Feb. 6 to Rosecrans Air National Guard Base.

"The primary reason he (Johns) is visiting is to witness our outstanding performance and see first hand our excellence and how we perform our mission," said Col. Michael McEnulty, 139th Airlift Wing commander. "I cannot recall the last time a four-star general took time out of their schedule to visit us."

During his visit, Johns visited the Advanced Airlift Tactical Training Center (AATTC) School, recognizing the AATTC as the Mobility Air Forces (MAF) Center of Excellence. Johns received a briefing on the 139th mission as well as the AATTC. Areas of discussion were opportunities for increasing more training missions with the active duty Air Force, as well as bringing more training courses to Rosecrans which would attract active duty personnel to our base.

Johns also toured the Newlon Hanger, visiting with Col. Andrew Halter, 139th Maintenance Group commander, and members of the maintenance personnel. Among topics of conversation were the serviceability and funding of replacement equipment and the unit's working relationship with other bases, specifically the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio.

Rep. Sam Graves, the congressman for the Sixth District in Missouri, was in attendance during Johns visit.

"We appreciate everything you do and your families," Johns said. "The fact your Congressman comes out to spend time with you...says a lot."

The general took the opportunity to thank Halter and his unit for their commitment and loyalty.

He extended his gratitude to all members of the 139th, their families, and their sacrifices and dedication which contributed to making this an outstanding wing. He also extended his thanks to Graves.

Among those attending Johns visit were Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Haynes, Air National Guard assistant to the Commander, Air Mobility Command, and Brig. Gen. Stephen Cotter, Missouri Air National Guard chief of staff.