Article Display

9th Air Force commander tours 20th FW

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Jeffers
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Maj. Gen. Jake Polumbo, 9th Air Force commander, visited various units and facilities of the 20th Fighter Wing here July 1, to gain a better understanding of the wing's capabilities.

During the tour, Polumbo visited facilities like the McElveen Resource Center, the base dorms and the Chief Master Sgt. Emerson Williams Dining Facility.

Along the way, Polumbo also spoke to various wing Airmen and civilians who informed him on their unit's mission, capabilities, current challenges they face in completing their mission and solutions they have for those challenges. Polumbo visited many different squadrons across base.

"I was very impressed with all the Airmen I met while visiting the 20th Fighter Wing," Polumbo said.

From the 20th Medical Group to the 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron, the commander made sure to speak with Airmen.

"Chief Master Sgt. James Davis, 9th Air Force command chief, and I really enjoyed talking with them in their work centers and hearing about the impressive work they do every day getting the mission done," Polumbo said. "My wife also accompanied me on this visit and Sandra and I are proud to call Shaw AFB home. We both look forward to getting to know the great families and community leaders here in the Sumter area over the weeks and months to come."

At the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron's fire department, he spoke to the Airmen about the importance of their work.

"(Polumbo) gave us a motivational speech about how he enjoyed coming down and seeing the individuals that make the mission happen," said Tech Sgt. Adam Gardner, 20th CES, fire department NCO in charge of logistics. "He spoke about the importance of security forces, the fire department and other mission support group agencies."

The commander also spoke to the 20th Component Maintenance Squadron, Propulsion Flight. Polumbo told them about his experience as an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot and how he appreciated the work they did which allowed him to fly safely.

"Hearing that gives us the reason for (why we do) our job," said Airman 1st Class Stephen Wainwright, 20th CMS crewmember. "You realize that you actually keep people safe. It makes me proud to be an engine troop."

In addition, he took the time to shake everyone's hand.

"It is not every day you see a general out shaking hands," said Staff Sgt. Derek Yoakum, 20th CMS dock chief. "It was humbling."

"For someone like him to take time out of their day to come down here and see everyone is in itself impressive," added Tech Sgt. Joshua Davis, 20th CMS production supervisor. "But to take the time to identify with each individual is big as well."

As he toured 20th FW, the commander recognized four Airmen by presenting them with a coin. Yoakum; Airman 1st Class Damilola Williams, 20th Command Post; Staff Sgt. Shavena Brewer, 20th Dental Squadron; and Tech Sgt. Dontrey Lampkin, 20th SFS, were all coined by Polumbo.

"I wasn't expecting to be coined," Yoakum said. "It made me proud of the work we do and proud to be an engine troop."

"It is nice to be recognized for putting in a little extra effort and to see that hard work does pay off," Yoakum added.