An 'honor to serve'

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Jon A. Norman
  • 31st Fighter Wing commander
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  I am grateful for the opportunity I had this past year to command the 31st Fighter Wing, but most importantly I am thankful for the opportunity I had to work with each and every one of you. Your dedication to our mission in U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Air Forces Africa is reflected in the outstanding results you produced. You have definitely been part of a winning team and in our business, winning is everything.

31 FW Airmen take great pride in their work and our mission. You are led by the finest commanders, chiefs and non-commissioned officers I have ever seen. Your results were absolutely exceptional during every local exercise and higher headquarter inspection. Your professionalism and dedication to our mission has consistently demonstrated the 31 FW is ready for any challenge. The 31 FW's enduring success is directly attributed to the outstanding Airmen, Department of Defense civilians, Italian nationals and dedicated family members we have on this team.

Our mission at Aviano is to provide combat ready Airmen who are fully prepared to defend NATO and support United States European Command and Africa Command objectives. You have proven you are ready. Recently the 31 FW demonstrated our readiness as the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons deployed with our 31th Maintenance Group professionals to Poland and Romania in support of NATO and national security objectives. These short-notice deployments required the support of every group on this base. The entire wing came together to ensure these deployments were a resounding success.

The one thing I will always remember about Aviano is the positive attitude I saw in action every day. Your "can do" attitude motivated me more than anything else. We have Airmen and family members who consistently go the extra mile to take care of each other. Our team consistently volunteers both on- and off-base. You are outstanding Wingmen because you take the time to help other Airmen and their families and always find a way to say "yes". Your volunteer efforts make a real and lasting difference to this team every single day.

The 31 FW continues to be good neighbors to our local communities, as U.S. Air Force ambassadors and as ambassadors for America. I am proud of the way Team Aviano has volunteered to support each other in activities like Single Airmen Staying Strong, Vicini Americani, Airmen Against Drunk Driving and by networking to find positive activities both on- and off-base. Our Italian friends are proud to call you "neighbor" and truly appreciate all you do for them and their communities.

Team Aviano is not simply a collection of American Airmen; together Aviano represents the commitment of the American government, to U.S. national security and the continued support to our Italian and NATO partners. The world will continue to present us with unforeseen challenges and threats that I am confident the 31 FW will always be ready to address.

It has been my greatest honor to serve as your commander!

- Storm'n