CSAF visits Vermont ANG

Published April 14, 2023
158th Fighter Wing

VERMONT AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Vt. (AFNS) -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., visited with Vermont Air National Guard Airmen April 1.

Brown met with Airmen, local civic leaders and held an all-call.

Members of the Vermont National Guard leadership team salute the arrival of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. to the Vermont Air National Guard Base, April 1, 2023. The visit allowed Brown an opportunity to show appreciation for the efforts and sacrifices made by the Airmen of the Vermont ANG. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Richard Mekkri) — Members of the Vermont National Guard leadership team salute the arrival of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr to the Vermont Air National Guard Base, April 1, 2023. The visit allowed Brown an opportunity to show appreciation for the efforts and sacrifices made by the Airmen of the Vermont ANG. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Richard Mekkri)

During the all-call, Brown emphasized his priority of accelerating change within the Air Force and explained why it is so crucial.

“Good enough today will fail tomorrow,” he said. “As Airmen, we need to integrate and accelerate the changes necessary to develop our talent and maintain our advantage.”

As part of accelerating change, Brown discussed his focus on giving Airmen access to the tools they need to accomplish their missions effectively.

“You’re going to have to be able to drive change,” Brown said. “We need to put capability back into the hands of our Airmen, and we need to get back to ensuring we stay ready as an Air Force.”

Another point Brown discussed was how to improve Air Force culture, specifically, how Airmen build resilience and ensure their wingmen are doing the same.

“I want you to focus on taking care of Airmen,” Brown said. “That starts with leadership and getting to know your Airmen. It’s hard to know if the Airman that works next to you is having a bad day if you don’t know them in the first place.”

The visit allowed Brown an opportunity to show his appreciation for the efforts and sacrifices made by the Airmen of the Vermont ANG.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. speaks to Airmen from the 158th Fighter Wing during a visit to the Vermont Air National Guard Base, April 1, 2023. The visit allowed Brown an opportunity to show appreciation for the efforts and sacrifices made by the Airmen of the Vermont ANG. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Richard Mekkri)

Additionally, Brown met with civic leaders and discussed the importance of the partnership between the Vermont ANG and the local community. Brown also commented on the importance of building relationships and collaboration within military communities, with lawmakers and industry, and international teammates.

“I’ve spent most of my time as a general officer working with our international partners and allies. It’s essential that we’re including them at the very start.”

Before his departure, Brown reiterated his appreciation for the Airmen’s service and thanked their families for supporting them as they stand watch alongside their uniformed loved ones.

“I appreciate the sacrifices you and your families make to allow you to do what you do,” Brown said. “Not everybody can raise their right hand and take an oath and decide to serve our nation and be part of something bigger than themselves, to be part of the world’s most respected Air Force.”