LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Gen. William M. Fraser, commander of Air Combat Command, took time out of his schedule to visit with Airmen at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Aug. 24.
Although he works on Langley, he spends much of his time away from the office due to the high-demand nature of his job and his responsibility for more than 79,000 active-duty members and civilians who make up ACC's work force.
About 25 junior Airmen from throughout the base joined the general for breakfast, followed by a mission brief from Col. Donald Kirkland, 633d Air Base Wing commander. General Fraser also visited the base's newly renovated Airman's Attic before having lunch with company grade officers in career fields ranging from aircraft maintenance to civil engineering. General Fraser said one of the main reasons for the base visit was to get feedback from ACC Airmen about their priorities and concerns.
"As I talk to people, they certainly understand that as a nation at war, we are doing everything we can to ensure they have the right training and the right equipment to accomplish their job," he said. "They know that as their fellow Airmen go forward in today's fight, they have to do a little bit extra. We all volunteered to be here; to be a part of our United States Air Force. Our Airmen are proud of what they're doing, so they don't mind stepping up when their fellow Airmen have to go forward into the theater to accomplish their mission."
At the commander's call in the 71st Fighter Squadron hangar, General Fraser discussed various topics, ranging from fighting today's fight to ACC's comprehensive efforts to reduce suicide rates. He also said that throughout his 36-year career, the one thing that has remained constant is the professionalism of all Airmen.
"I've always been impressed with the abilities and capabilities our Airmen bring to the fight," General Fraser said. "Going all the way back to when I first came in the Air Force, it was obvious to me that there is a lot to be said for the profession of arms. It made me very proud to be a part of the Air Force. We are willing to adapt and change - Our hardware may change, but our ability to integrate our capabilities and use them in today's fight the way we do is truly remarkable to me."
According to the general, the biggest challenge ACC Airmen will face in the near term is an unknown future.
"We have to be focused on fighting today's fight and ensuring that we are organized, trained and equipped to accomplish that mission," he said. "As I look down the road, I need to make sure that we maintain options for an unknown future. Whether it's six months, or a year, or two years, I strive to ensure that we've got the right balance to fight today and be prepared for tomorrow."
Another prevalent challenge Airmen face today is the risk of suicide. According to the National Institute of Health and Medicines, suicide is the second leading cause of death among 25- to 34-year-olds, third for 15- to 24-year-olds. On average, one happens every 16 minutes, making it the 11th most likely way to die in the United States and approximately 33,000 Americans commit suicide each year.
"That is something that deeply concerns me; anytime one of our Airmen gets to a point where they feel that they've lost all hope and commit -- or attempt to commit -- a self-defeating behavior," General Fraser said, adding that, fortunately, there have been Airmen who reached out and got the help they needed.
"As wingmen we should reach out and ask, 'can I help you?' I think we need to continue to break down the barriers and let people know that it is OK to ask for help," he said. "We have a Comprehensive Airmen Fitness program that we are working on in ACC. We think it's a model that can actually be used across the entire Air Force to help our Airmen maintain balance in their life."
Focusing more locally, General Fraser said he is encouraged by the progress he has seen as Langley and Fort Eustis synchronize their missions despite being geographically separated.
"What we need to understand is that there is going to be a common set of standards, which we will all maintain," the general said. "We want to ensure that we take care of not only our Airmen, but our Soldiers -- that's our responsibility under the joint base agreement. I have the utmost confidence as I've gone around today and talked to a number of people that we are going to ensure that we do that."
General Fraser also extended his personal gratitude to Airmen's families for the contributions they make to the fight on a daily basis.
"Family members are making a number of sacrifices today. We need to understand and appreciate them. Because as their loved ones go forward to do the things they have been called to do, they step up their game at home and make sacrifices, too."