Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody talks with explosive ordnance disposal Airmen during a visit to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Feb. 2 to 3, 2013. The visit is a part of a multi-base tour by Cody and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III to meet with Airmen throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Brendan Kavanaugh)
Staff Sgt. Joseph Stone demonstrates equipment used to test precision thermometers to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody during a tour of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Feb. 2 to 3, 2013. Stone is a test, measurement and diagnostic equipment technician with the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Brendan Kavanaugh)
Senior Airman Paul Nessle explains aircraft tire inspection procedures to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody during a tour of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Feb. 2 to 3, 2013. Nessle is a non-destructive inspector from the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Brendan Kavanaugh)
Senior Airman Alexia Briant demonstrates the use of a combat dressing from an Individual First Aid Kit to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and his wife, Betty, during a tour of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Feb. 2 to 3, 2013. The visit was highlighted by a tour of the facilities and talks with the Airmen about their jobs, deployment and families. Briant is assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Brendan Kavanaugh)
by Senior Airman Joel Mease
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
2/6/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody visited with the Airmen of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Feb. 2 and 3.
Welsh and Cody held an Airman's Call as part of a multi-base tour to meet with Airmen throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
During the Airman's Call, Welsh and Cody recognized the 379th AEW Airmen and mission partners for their contributions to operations in the AOR.
"You guys are operating at the front end of our Air Force," Welsh said. "This is where forward operations are launched and supported from ... you all are doing the job every single day that us guys back in Washington are talking about all the time."
The Air Force chief of staff expressed his gratitude for the Airmen.
"I just wanted to say 'thank you' for what you do," Welsh said. "You really have no idea of how impressive you are, and you really don't realize how important you are to our nation and our Air Force."
Cody echoed Welsh's sentiment to the Wing.
"You all inspire us," Cody said. "When we come out here and listen to your stories and hear the enthusiasm you have for the mission, for what you're doing not only this region but for the world at large, it's just phenomenal."
The chief went on to thank Airmen for their sacrifices and let them know he considers them all part of his family.
"This is family business; you are a part of our family," Cody said. "Our son is an Airman in our Air Force. I was just talking to a young man who was mic-ing me up who went to basic with Drew. That's how our Air Force is, we are that tightly connected."
After Welsh and Cody spoke, they opened the floor to questions.
Master Sgt. Tamecca Neely of the 379th AEW force protection office said she was very impressed with their answers.
"It was great to have the opportunity to voice concerns and have those concerns well received," Neely said. "Both were very personable and attentive to mentioned concerns."
