22nd Air Force commander visits Pope Field

by Senior Airman Melissa Dearstone
440th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/9/2014 - POPE FIELD, N.C.  -- Airmen with the 440th Airlift Wing received a welcoming visit from Maj. Gen. Mark Kyle, 22nd Air Force commander, April 4-5.

Maj. Gen. Kyle, accompanied by Chief Master Sergeant Michael Thorpe, 22nd AF Command Chief, visited the 440th Maintenance Group, 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, 440th Medical Squadron and several others.

Kyle said that the 440th Airmen's attitudes and work ethic were impressive despite the proposed closure.

"I thought everyone was going to be upset -- and you probably are -- but it does not show in your work or your ability to laugh and joke," said Kyle.

"Although there was not clear or direct information on the decision that will be made, we gained the knowledge that we had someone on our team that is fighting for us as a wing as well as programs that will assist us in the fruition of the transition proposal," said Senior Airman Jomil Camp, 440th AW.

Kyle said he does not know what the future holds for the 440th.

"All I can tell you is my commitment to you is irrevocable, unwavering, undeniable, unmovable, impossible to challenge and I am not going anywhere," said Kyle. "I will take care of each and every one of you that wants to be taken care of."