DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. – Maj. Gen. Craig La Fave, 22nd Air Force commander, his spouse, Mrs. Jill La Fave, and Chief Master Sgt. Clinton Ronan, 22nd AF command chief, visited Reserve Citizen Airmen at the 94th Airlift Wing here during the December drill weekend.
The group visited various facilities and met squadron leaders during the tour. They also took time to thank service members personally for their service during the holiday season. The squadrons visited included the 94th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, 94th Maintenance Group, 94th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and the 94th Civil Engineer Squadron.
During his visit, La Fave emphasized the importance of effective manning and training. He also spoke about challenges with retention and budget funding, and the impact on the missions of each squadron.
After spending four years in a budget, planning, and strategy role as the mobilization assistant to the deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and requirements at Headquarters Air Force in Washington, D.C., La Fave spoke about his excitement to be back in a commander role.
“This is where the rubber meets the road,” said La Fave. “I’m excited to be operational again.”
The general coined several Airmen for their hard work, sacrifice and personal accomplishments in executing the 94th’s mission of providing mission ready forces.
The visit also included a holiday meal during which the La Faves served meals to Reservists before sitting down to enjoy a meal themselves with a group of Airmen.
On Sunday morning, the general took advantage of the nice weather and went for a run around Dobbins with a few Reservists.
La Fave also took time to meet with Dobbins’ newest Airmen in the Development and Training Flight. He left parting words for the trainees in which he stressed the importance of having a good support network of family and friends during military service. He also spoke about the importance of core values.
“We are a values based organization, defending a constitution and a way of life,” said La Fave. “Core values and ethics are very important; don’t forget that.”