AETC commander visits

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Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  "I love Vance and I love Enid. They represent the absolute best of the Air Education and Training Command in the relationship of the community and they also represent the best of the Air Force. It's a great part of America," said Gen. William Looney, AETC commander during a recent visit here.

This was the general's second visit to Vance since taking command of AETC in June 2005. While in the area Nov. 15-18, he also participated in Enid's Grand National Quail Hunt.

During his tour of the base, General Looney took time to share some thoughts on changes with the Airscoop.

Airscoop: You've been an Airman for more than half of USAF's existence. As we start to celebrate its 60th Anniversary, what do you think are the biggest changes during your time in service?

General Looney: The first one is the recognition that the family is as important as the member, as important as the mission itself and that it takes all three to make it happen. By the way, not only have I been in 35 years, but I was a dependent for 22 years before that so I've been in the Air Force my whole life. So I truly understand that.

The second one is the technology that earlier air pioneers dreamed of has arrived. By that I mean the ability to put bombs in windows, to be able to strike precisely what you want to strike in all weathers, night and day, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The third one I think is the realization and appreciation that each and every individual in the military, regardless of rank, deserves respect, deserves dignity, is accorded dignity and is appreciated for the job they did. We will not drive people through fear, ridicule and sarcasm but rather lead them through inspiration and motivation.

Finally, we have gone from a Cold War Air Force to an expeditionary Air Force and we have done that absolutely perfect.

Airscoop: Speaking of expeditionary forces, do you foresee any changes the command's involvement in the AEF cycle?

General Looney: No, AETC will continue to be involved and be a player and provide our fair share. We do that with about 4000 AETC Airmen a year who deploy to the desert and I see that continuing. It's good for the command because those people bring their experiences and expertise that they've gained from those deployments back to the command and that then is put into our training programs to assure that they are relevant, that they are current and that they are truly preparing our Airmen for what they may face when they deploy.