Walk softly, carry a big stick

by Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

8/7/2013 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander, United States Strategic Command, toured the base and hosted an All-Call with 91st Missile Wing Airmen here, Aug. 1.

During the All-Call, Kehler said he was pleased to visit Minot, but more so for the chance to spend time with the Roughriders, who perform the mission every day. On his quest to spend time with the Airmen, he reminded them just how incredibly important their mission is to everyone in the country.

The general spoke about the importance of deterrence, and assured the members of the missile wing that what they do continues to be a crucial part of the nation's security.

"It was easy to see the need for deterrence during the Cold War," Kehler said. "And now it may seem harder to see the need for it, even though it's more important than ever."

He went on to explain how the wing's primary mission is to make sure their weapons are never used, by making sure they can use them. As the U.S. walks softly through the world, it carries the missile wing as the big stick, he said.

"As long as other nations have the capability," explained Kehler, "we need deterrence."

The general went on to speak to the Airmen about other military-wide issues, including sequestration

"There are parts in life we can control, and parts in life we cannot," Kehler said. "Sequestration is something we cannot."

Kehler continued by explaining that sequestration is something the nation is pushing uphill, but he is confident the country will overcome.

Another topic he spoke to Airmen about was the issue of sexual assault prevention and the effect sexual assault and sexual harassment has on the mission. He said it is nearly impossible for a mission to be completed successfully in an environment where sexual assault and sexual harassment threaten the trust and discipline required for combat effectiveness.

"All Airmen are like a family," he said. "Airmen take care of each other."

He concluded by issuing a challenge for Team Minot Airmen to continue to uphold the highest of standards in every regard and prove to anyone who asks, that if they want to see it done right, they should come to Minot.