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Farewell commentary to the Devil Raider family

  • Published
  • By Col. Chris Patterson
  • former 621st CRW commander
JOINBT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  A little more than 22 months ago, I took over command of the 621st Contingency Response Wing. A wing that stood ready to answer the call at a moment's notice. I was riding on the clouds as I walked off that stage ... But it was less than 60 minutes later when my older son Ryan brought me down to earth, as only your children can do, by asking a simple, perhaps even obvious, question. He cornered me during the reception and asked, "Dad, I understand that your wing responds to contingencies around the world and that's great...but what are you going to do if nothing happens during your two years in command?" To be honest, I did not know how to answer back then and I am not sure if his question was a jinx, a curse or a blessing but the last two years have certainly been filled with a lot more than nothing.

To the Devil Raiders of the 621st Contingency Response Wing, "thank you" is not enough for all you have accomplished over the last two years. You have literally written on the pages of history books around the world. From the combat zones of Afghanistan and Iraq, to the disaster regions of Pakistan and Japan ... from the turmoil of Libya and the Arab Spring to partnerships across Africa and South America. You were there, getting the mission done.

But it has been so much more than just getting the mission done. As you heard, it has been about prepping for inspections, establishing processes and refining the CRW structure. And for the last nine months, it has been about merging two contingency response wings into one, without negatively impacting the mission or losing focus on the Airmen and their families.

As we go about our day-to-day lives, we are often so busy that we do not recognize the impact our actions have on those around us. Even though you may not realize it, each of you has had a tremendous impact on me. When I was down or overwhelmed, you reminded me of what was important. You kept me grounded and focused for the last two years.

At the Airlift Tanker Association convention, I posed for a picture with Capt. "Big John" Garvin and his wife after he received the P.K. Carlton Award for valor for his actions in Afghanistan ... and I was reminded that many Devil Raiders stand in harm's way every day.

As I stood in the parking lot with Col. Dean Bridger, he showed me the Geiger counters his team issued prior to their deployment to Japan... and I was reminded that Devil Radiers are willing to put themselves at risk to answer the call of others.

I watched Gen. Johns, our AMC Commander, making time to offer a heartfelt thank you to Monica Hill, wife of Technical Sgt. Hill, after Kevin returned from supporting Libya operations... and I was reminded of the sacrifices of our families, those Devil Raider Angels I mentioned earlier.

As I rode in an Army humvee with Col. Dave Kuenzli at 1 o'clock in the morning, he took me to see the forward operating node for his joint task force...and I was reminded that being a Devil Raider is a 24 hour a day job.

I attended a ceremony in the Pentagon where the Secretary of the Air Force presented the Cheney Award to Maj. Foy and Capt. Markey. All four parents watched with pride from the front row...and I was reminded that all Devil Raiders are someone's sons and daughters.
There are countless more stories I could tell but they all remind me of the same thing...there is no great responsibility for a commander than to take care of his Airmen; and your actions made that clear to me every day. So to all Devil Raiders I say, thank you...You have made me a better officer, a better commander, a better person, and dare I say even a little smarter.

So today, if Ryan where to ask me his question, I would answer...In a changing and dynamic world, Air Mobility Command will always need a 9-1-1 Force, a wing of versatile mobility airmen standing ready to deploy and solve problems in complex environments. There will always be a need to Mobilize the Fight, Provide Relief and Advance the peace.

Thank you.