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AFGSC command chief experiences Malmstrom's mission, encourages Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Effective leaders display many characteristics, which the people they inspire look up to. Some are known for their courage. Some are known for their strength and others may be recognized for their wisdom.

But all were followers at one point; looking up to their superiors as they developed the skills that would one day put them in leadership positions.

For Chief Master Sgt. Terry West, Air Force Global Strike Command command chief, his hallmark was displayed as leadership through service. During a two-day tour of Malmstrom Air Force Base, West visited multiple work centers to speak with Airmen and get a first-hand look at what they accomplish on a daily basis.

Through one-on-one communication with junior enlisted and senior personnel, West learned of the hard work it takes to keep the installation's facilities running. He saw what it takes to keep Airmen working in the elements motivated, equipment cared for and operating efficiently, and the benefits the Force Improvement Program has made to the mission.

As a guest speaker for the base's 2014 Annual Awards Banquet, West also commended every individual for their personal dedication to service.

"Thank you for what you provide, which is a safe, secure and effective team of professionals," said West. "You are capable of delivering the most powerful weapons that we have ever seen on the planet. Some of the weapons that only the president of the United States can authorize the use of, and that is pretty impressive."

Since 1960, every minute of every hour of every day, Airmen within AFGSC have been providing a strategic nuclear deterrence; something that has not gone unnoticed to the American public or leadership within the command.

"Frankly, all of you are going exceedingly, abundantly above all that we could ask you to do," said West.

Recently, the base has seen many FIP implementations, such as Model Defender gear applications and funding for quality of life improvement for Airmen in the missile field.

During his tour, West saw these implementations and asked the Airmen, who were affected by them, how they have helped the mission and what he could bring back to command for suggestions.

Through Airmen's personal stories of how the FIP program has aided them and through his own hands-on experience, the importance of its implementation became real.

Airmen's needs are the number one priority, and FIP offers the support these Airmen need to accomplish the most important deterrence mission in the world.

"You provide the check and balance in America's nuclear deterrence," said West. "Ben Franklin said 'well done is better than well said,' so well done Wing One."