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Global Strike hosts Commanders Conference

  • Published
  • By Carla Pampe
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Top leaders from Air Force Global Strike Command wings as well as civilian advisors gathered here recently to participate in the Spring 2011 Commanders Conference.

Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski, Global Strike Command commander, said commanders conferences are an opportunity for leaders "to meet face-to-face to discuss issues affecting our individual wings, Numbered Air Forces, and the command as a whole."

Commanders, command chiefs, spouses and civic leaders from each wing participated in the annual conference, held March 22-24 at Barksdale where they heard about strategies and ideas to deal with budget and operational realities. Experts spoke to the attendees about matters from legislative affairs, to international relations, to leadership techniques.

Wing commanders and command chiefs were also given time to brief their top three issues to the headquarters staff, and the Global Strike staff updated the wings on progress on issues raised at last year's conference.

"It was great to have the staff brief us," said Col. Fred Stoss, commander of the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. "It just highlights the transparency and open communication going on across the command."

During the conference, spouses of wing commanders and command chiefs attended their own sessions, focusing on issues affecting Airmen and their families, such as working with their local military affairs committees, communication skills and dealing with families in grief.

Civic Leaders from across the command contributed their points of view about issues facing the command.

It is extremely important for civic leaders to understand the issues and challenges Global Strike Command faces, said Mr. David Weissman, a member of the command's Civic Leader Program from Great Falls, Mont., near Malmstrom Air Force Base.

Mr. Weissman said it became clear at the conference that all Global Strike Command bases are struggling with budget shortfalls.

"We need to make sure we help support the needs of Global Strike with our respective delegations," he said. "During these uncertain times, it is vitally important that we work together to ensure our future."