Tech. Sgt. Robert Horn briefs Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and local civic leaders Oct. 4, 2011, in Minot N.D., during a visit to Horn's flood-ravaged home. Schwartz visited the Horn family to see the flood areas in Minot and how the Airmen are recovering. Horn is an ICBM weapon system controller assigned to the 91st Maintenance Operations Squadron
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie speak with Tech. Sgt. Natasha Horn Oct. 4, 2011, in the Horn's Federal Emergency Management Agency trailer in Minot, N.D. Schwartz visited the Horn family to see the flood areas in Minot and how Airmen are recovering. Horn is the 91st Missile Wing executive assistant to the command chief at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Michael Veloz)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz speaks to Airmen Oct. 4, 2011, at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., during an all-call. Schwartz expressed gratitude for their efforts in aiding the Minot community, as well as each other, during the flooding this past summer. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Michael Veloz)
Air Force Chief Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz speaks to Airmen Oct. 4, 2011, during a tour of Minot Air Force Base, N.D. Schwartz was briefed on the importance of the reverse osmosis water purification units during the 2011 Souris River flooding of Minot, N.D., and the surrounding communities. The Airmen are assigned to the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Aaron-Forrest Wainwright)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz greets Airmen Oct. 4, 2011, during a tour of Minot Air Force Base, N.D. Schwartz expressed his admiration for all the hard work Airmen from the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron contributed during the flooding of the Souris River in Minot, N.D., and surrounding communities. The Airmen are assigned to the 5th CES. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Aaron-Forrest Wainwright)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz speaks to Airmen Oct. 4, 2011, during an all-call at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. Schwartz expressed gratitude for their efforts in aiding the Minot, N.D., community, as well as each other, during the flooding this past summer. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley N. Avecilla)
by Airman 1st Class Jessica McConnell
5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
10/5/2011 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz visited Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen here Oct. 4 to emphasize the significance of their mission and the importance of teamwork in the face of adversity.
During an all-call, Schwartz acknowledged the dedication Airmen here have displayed to both the mission and each other during difficult times. He applauded the support shown during the historic flooding of the Souris River, which claimed more than 4,000 homes and affected more than 1,100 Airmen and their families in Minot, N.D.
"What you did here during the flood was truly remarkable: reaching out to those in need, taking care of each other and continuing to support the mission," Schwartz said. "This base has given me a deep appreciation for and admiration of the resilience of our Airmen."
The general acknowledged the importance of every Airman specialty by comparing the Air Force to a winning basketball team, stating that every team member is vital to success.
"It takes everyone to successfully accomplish our Air Force mission," Schwartz said. "For those of you here at Minot, who carry the responsibility of being a steward of the nation's most lethal weapons, you need to know that everybody here counts.
"We are a big Air Force, and we are a family," he continued. "We are proud of what we do, and we are even prouder of what we do as a team."
Schwartz said Airmen here carry a special responsibility that brings with it an exceptional level of effort and scrutiny.
"Doing your jobs well, precisely and reliably is truly important," Schwartz said. "The level of excellence that you display is truly valuable. This is a highly important mission that is not going away."
The Air Force needs reliable people to ensure the nuclear enterprise mission is accomplished safely, securely and with the utmost surety, the general said.
"Reputations are hard to earn and easy to lose, and we have earned our good reputation," he said. "The most senior people in government and the American public trust us to successfully execute the nuclear mission, so continue to make us proud."
Comments
10/5/2011 7:16:05 PM ET General Schwartz is a great General and has provided our Airmen and mewith a feeling of pride that is difficult to describe in words. I have known General Schwartz since 1995 at Hurlburt Field Florida where he was Wing Commander. He was such an inspiration then and continues to be. I've never met another USAF Officer who is such a leader and caring person. He and his wife Susie and number one to me and my family. Hooah
