LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Brig. Gen. Len Patrick, commander of the 37th Training Wing, pledged in his first Airmen's Call to work at solving problems Airmen may have at Lackland to the best of his abilities.
"I know there are some issues, not only where you live but also where you work, and I'm going to work hard to take care of them," General Patrick said on April 3 in an easygoing morning session for 400 Airmen at the Skylark Community Center.
"I'd like to hear what's on your minds," he said in taking questions from the Airmen.
It was the first of two sessions April 3, and General Patrick later said he plans to hold Airmen's Calls quarterly for the base's young Airmen, E-1 to E-4.
"I'd be happy to talk with you about your specific concerns," he said, indicating some may think their voices aren't being heard. "But I tell you, the key leaders you have in this wing, the group superintendents, the group/squadron commanders, senior NCOs in your organization, they want to help."
General Patrick said every Airman at Lackland is important, no matter what his job is. In calling for questions, he said, "What can I do to help you?"
When no one jumped up immediately to pose a question, the commander said, drawing laughter, "You're wiggling in your seats."
Putting them at ease, he said, "I don't think you're going to find another wing commander as approachable as I am."
The questions then began flowing, and the general tossed prizes from Services such as T-shirts, water bottles and balls to each Airman after answering their questions.
The Airmen seemed to appreciate the general's concern for their well-being. One Airman took the opportunity to advertise that Freedom Chapel hopes to open a social gathering place with recreational equipment for permanent party Airmen in Bldg. 1212. He invited interested Airmen to call the chapel.
In his opening session, with Airmen from the 37th Mission Support Group, 37th Medical Group and 37th Training Group, General Patrick said that many may know it is his third tour to San Antonio. "This truly is a great city. You can't walk downtown (in uniform) without someone coming up and saying thank you for your service."
When he asked how many had gone through basic military training at Lackland, gone on to technical school and now are at Lackland for their first active-duty tour, the majority held up their hands.
He encouraged the Airmen to see what San Antonio has to offer. "The community loves you. We get free tickets to local events all the time. Fiesta is coming up."
He said the Airmen are all role models when they go somewhere in uniform, as well as for the families who visit Lackland by the thousands to watch their sons, daughters and loved ones graduate from BMT.
"It's a great time to be in the United States Air Force," General Patrick said, noting that Airmen today are "smarter, more technically savvy, more team-oriented, than when I came in the Air Force. I thank you for your service.
"What I want to do is make Lackland a place that everyone wants to come to," the general said, terming the 37th TRW "the best wing in the Air Force."
He closed the sessions by showing a 3-minute film, "The Airman's Creed," which portrays Airmen in their jobs such as a construction worker, flight crewmember, medical technician and pilot. The audience, joined by the general, applauded for the 2008 award-winning film by 37th TRW Public Affairs videographers after it ended with the words:
"I am an American Airman ... I will defend my country with my life. I will never leave an Airman behind, I will never falter and I will not fail."