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New commander provides framework for Airlift Excellence

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eric Burks
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  "Airlift Excellence ... Right Here ... Right Now!"

That's the vision Col. Kevin Kilb, the new 62nd Airlift Wing commander, brings to Team McChord.

The colonel, who became the wing's 37th commander June 26, said it's a framework to sustain and build upon the culture of excellence McChord is already known for.

"It's about continuous improvement; a way to internalize what we do every day," said Colonel Kilb.

"Everyone at McChord has a piece of the airlift mission - we're all contributing," he said. "And the standard is excellence."

"Right here" means it starts with you, Colonel Kilb continued. "It's an individual decision to pursue excellence."

"Right now" means a continuous commitment to excellence ... every day!

And that excellence extends to more than just execution of professional duties.

"For me, it's a whole person concept - I want to be an excellent husband, an excellent father, an excellent brother, son and neighbor.

"At work, I want to be the best I can be - the best leader, motivator, inspirer ... demonstrating the same commitment, personally and professionally," said Colonel Kilb.

With the vision - "Airlift Excellence ... Right Here ... Right Now!", McChord's spectacular record of achievement will continue through the busiest of times, he said.

Air Mobility Command's Rodeo, the Operational Readiness Inspection, the next Nuclear Surety Inspection and joint basing implementation over the next 12-18 months are just events along our road of excellence, the colonel said. "They're not things we gear up for and then relax after."

While large events tend to draw a lot of focus, the commander said the wing can't forget about sustainment.

"Those things are happening locally, on the installation and in our community, but we're also constantly deployed," he said. "We have a squadron getting ready to come back and a squadron just deployed. We have hundreds of other Airmen deployed ... that support to the warfighter is something that we'll always provide."

To those deployed Airmen, Colonel Kilb said, "Thank you, and keep up the great work. We're taking great care of your families, and will continue to do so, so you can go out and execute the mission we've trained you to do with excellence."

Finally, the commander asked all members of the 62nd AW to do three things: always do their best, always do what's right, and always treat others with dignity and respect.

"Those are the three things I ask myself every day; that's what I ask of each and every one of you," he said. "If we do those three things, Airlift Excellence ... Right Here ... Right Now!, will be evident across our pillars of mission, people and community. But it all starts and ends with you."