NATO command chief visits LAAHC

by Airman 1st Class Breonna Veal
633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

3/2/2015 - JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va.  -- U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jack Johnson Jr., NATO Allied Command Transformation command chief, visited Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Feb. 19, 2015, to speak to members of the Langley African-American Heritage Council.

Johnson, who is the most senior enlisted African American Airman in the Air Force, visited as a part of Black History Month observances occurring at both Langley Air Force Base and Fort Eustis during the month of February.

The LAAHC held an open discussion with Johnson to gain insight and ask questions about his experiences as an African American Airman.

"Having had the privilege to serve in the Air Force for more than 30 years, [the one thing] I want Airmen to take away is this, we as African Americans are making a tremendous difference across the Air Force. Seeing almost 50 to 60 years of African American service, my goal is to continue to serve and be a positive representative for African-Americans [Service members] here."

Johnson, who is actually stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, spoke about his career and his current assignment in the Hampton Roads area as well as the tie the area has on his life.

"Langley Air Force Base was my first duty location, my mother and father both retired from Langley and I had the opportunity to be stationed in the area," said Johnson. "It honestly is great to be home."

The tie Johnson has with Langley guided his option to live the Hampton area so he is closer to Airmen he can mentor.

"Somewhere during my journey as a leader, I stopped focusing on my accomplishments and became obsessed with the accomplishments of my Airmen, joint and coalition Service members, civilians and their families," Johnson said to the crowd. "The Air Force provides the ways and means for you as Airmen to reach your goals, but the rest is up to your will. Your future is in front of you."

Johnson concluded by thanking the LAAHC for their presence at Langley Air Force Base.

"Thanks for advancing public knowledge, education, leadership and the relevance of this month's national celebration for all African-Americans," he said.