Air Force chief of staff visits base, Gowen Field

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III spoke to base and civic leaders May 1 at Mountain Home Air Force Base. Welsh addressed important issues and possible solutions during his visit to the base. (Photo by Senior Airman Caitlin Guinazu)

The 366th Fighter Wing and the Idaho Air National Guard welcomed Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III last week.

During his two-day visit, Welsh spoke with Airmen in small and large gatherings at both Mountain Home Air Force Base and Gowen Field.

"We were honored to host General and Mrs. Welsh here at Mountain Home," said Col. Dave Iverson, 366th Fighter Wing commander. "It was an outstanding chance to share the stories of our Gunfighters -- active duty, guard, reserve and civilian -- and to discuss the many challenges and opportunities facing our Air Force.

"The interaction between our (service) chief and Airmen helps to strengthen and empower the team," said Iverson. "It was a unique opportunity to freely ask the chief of staff questions about the future of our Air Force and to learn from an inspiring leader."

Welsh told Airmen to never forget how incredibly important they are to the mission.

Idaho's congressional delegation participated in the visit as the 366th Fighter Wing highlighted its mission, Airmen and capabilities.

A select number of local community leaders also had the opportunity to listen to and visit with Welsh and his wife, Betty, but there was no press access allowed during the visit. All coverage was provided by military public affairs units and no details of his conversations with local leaders were released.

Maj. Gen. Gary L. Sayler, Idaho Adjutant General, also was pleased to have the chief of staff visit the Gowen Field complex, "to visit with our Air National Guard personnel, tour our world-class facility and speak with elected leaders."

During a town hall meeting with several hundred airmen in attendance at Gowen Field, Welsh discussed a wide range of topics of concern to Idaho Air National Guardsmen, including the future of the U.S. Air Force, operations tempo, the importance of families and the current budget situation facing Pentagon leaders.

While at Gowen Field, Welsh also had the opportunity to meet with Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, members of the Idaho Congressional delegation and Boise Mayor Dave Bieter.

Mrs. Welsh had the opportunity to visit with several Idaho Air National Guard members and family members over lunch in Boise.