MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Thank you, Team McChord!

Tina and I are excited to be a part of this great family.

I want to say thanks to everyone who helped put together the world class change of command ceremony last Wednesday. It was a perfect beginning for my family and I, and we couldn't be more appreciative of all the hard work that went into this memorable event!

I must admit the quality of the event and meticulous attention to detail was not surprising as Team McChord has a reputation for "Excellence" around our mobility family and throughout the Air Force. All you have to say is "McChord" and folks immediately mention the pride and patriotism of this great base.

The 62nd Airlift Wing and our Reserve partner, the 446th AW, are at the tip of the spear in the global war on terrorism. Our team members in the Western Air Defense Sector are keeping our homeland skies safe, while the combat control and pararescue Airmen of the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron are getting it done on the ground in the military's most hostile of environments.

Perhaps most important of all, our families, neighbors, local community leaders and retirees are always there on the home front, giving our men and women of Team McChord their full support. They appreciate our service and give us the strength we need to persevere.

So thank you Team McChord...for the perfect change of command ceremony, for what you have done to protect America and for what you will do in the months and years ahead.

There's no other place Tina and I would rather be than in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with the outstanding men and women of Team McChord and our community partners. We're proud to be a part of the team and we're proud to call McChord and the Tacoma area our home!