My turn to say thanks, hear what's on your mind Published July 9, 2010 By Maj. Gen. James T. Rubeor 22 Air Force Commader PITTSBURGH IAP ARS -- Welcome to the July Unit Training Assembly. My name is Jim Rubeor and I am the commander of Twenty-Second Air Force. I will be visiting the mighty 911th Airlift Wing during the drill weekend not only to share the command vision, but also to collect constructive input and views on any topic that is of concern to you. Before I arrive, I'd like to take a moment to share a few thoughts with you. As you know from having just completed a four-month Air Expeditionary Force deployment, the Reserve is making significant contributions to overseas contingency operations. The 911th was tasked and responded exactly as advertised providing critical lift capability for the combatant commanders throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. The wing's leadership is deservedly proud of everyone's contributions which helped make your deployment such a success. It's important that you know you're an critical part of the 22nd Air Force team--a team that works hand-in-glove with Regular Air Force units to meet a wide array of threats around the globe. The Air Force counts on you not only for combat support, but to lend a helping hand to others in their time of need. In January, Citizen Airmen from the 911th played a vital role in the Air Force's response by helping move people, equipment and supplies to Haiti after its people were decimated by a catastrophic earthquake. This kind of experience and diversity is what Total Force is all about and a large reason why we're the most skilled and proficient military on the planet. But what we accomplish, we accomplish together. Yet these operations don't come without a cost. Your families underwrite and share in the sacrifice that's required by every 911th member who serves. I want you and your families to know I view the responsibility for taking care of our families very seriously. If you have suggestions on how we could improve in this area, I hope you'll let me know at some point during my visit. I suspect some of you may want to know what's Commentary by Maj. Gen. James T. Rubeor on the horizon with 22nd Air Force and Air Force Reserve Command. I expect both challenges and opportunities as we continue building associations at bases across the United States. We'll move forward in our efforts to build the framework for Lt. Gen. Stenner's vision "AFR 2012 Full Operational Capability." You'll learn more about this venture in the days ahead, but in essence it involves re-structuring our forces--primarily at the NAFs and Reserve Command--to increase combat capability and effectiveness. These changes will all transpire in an environment of significant budget constraints. We'll get through it, but organizations will have to be flexible and operate as a force capable of surging without exhausting our people and resources. Despite these challenges, there will also be some growth as the Reserve continues expanding into new missions. The 911th will have plenty of opportunities to be part of that evolution while still demonstrating its tactical airlift and combat support capability. For now, keep doing what you're doing. All indications are that the 911th is a great wing with a reputation for taking care of business. I'm looking forward to my visit. I'll be concentrating on units and people and will try to get around and visit with as many of you as I can. If you see me walking around over the weekend, come on up and say hello. See you at the UTA!