An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

A Time To Talk

  • Published
  • By Col. John McDonald
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Commander
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  It's that time again. On May 18 and 19, I'll be having a Commander's Call at five different times in order to visit with you all and pass along some information I believe is important. 

I am looking forward to meeting with you and hope you will bring your concerns and questions. I want to know what's on your mind, what rumors are out there that I can address. 

Also, the Pope Club will be hosting a Family Night Dining Event May 19 from 5 to 9 p.m. This is another great opportunity to simply have some fun. I encourage you to come out and enjoy your families, of course, but also to meet some new people while treating your family to an evening of activities. Remember, without the support of our families, their commitment and sacrifice, we could not do what we do every day. 

Last weekend I had the opportunity to address members of the local community during the Glory Days Field of Honor opening ceremony on Hay Street in front of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum. This is a patriotic tribute to the strength and unity of Americans currently serving and those men and women who have served our country in the past. It was the kick-off event to festivities planned through Memorial Day. 

Please make time to go by and see the Field of Glory. It pays honor to all of us who choose to serve and wear the uniform proudly. 

There are 1,300 flags sponsored and placed in honor of fellow servicemen and women, and it stands as a true testament to the support provided by our local community. We are fortunate to have the unmatched support in the communities surrounding Pope. They are continuously honoring our Airmen in events like Glory Days. The local businessmen are in your corner too. 

In fact, the folks at the three Fayetteville "Chick-Fil-A" stores are showing their support in a unique way May 15 by donating 10 percent of their profits from sales between 5 and 8 p.m. to our Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fund. I encourage you to go out this evening and help them help us. 

I also need you to help me fill the roster for the Chief Jim Burgeio Difference Makers Golf Tournament June 5. There are two flights of hopefully 36 teams with the first group starting at 7:30 a.m., and the second beginning at 1 p.m. 

All money raised during this tournament goes to the Pope Scholarship Fund and the Difference Maker Fund, which is in place to support programs supporting many activities all focused on Airmen and their families. 

From the holiday meal baskets to Santa's Attic, the Difference Maker Fund impacts a myriad of base organizations and events. Please watch for the registration dates and be one of the first to participate in this tremendous event and help me spread the word, it will be Popetastic! 

This week I'm sure everyone was busy Spring Cleaning around their offices -- identifying excess equipment, gathering unwanted items and getting ready for the big turn-in May 18 to 21 at Hangar 4. This is an opportunity to get rid of furniture, computer equipment and big items that you will have to get rid of before the base realignment. 

There will be people in place to assist you with the turn in process. They will also open the Hangar for "shopping." If your office is in need of furniture and other equipment, come to the Hangar prior to purchasing new. There will be plenty to choose from and at the best price around -- free. 

Finally, I'd like to invite you to stop by the Air Park by Reilly Gate. We've been constructing a tribute to our enlisted force. The Memorial Wall is really coming together and will be a very nice place to hold re-enlistment, retirements and award ceremonies during the warm months. 

The Enlisted Memorial Wall is absolutely the right thing to do and it completes the Air Park adding a sense of heritage and tradition, complementing the static display aircraft, which by the way, are planned to be repainted this summer, further enhancing the ambience of the area. 

As always, thanks for all you and your families do in service to our nation and the Pope community. Your ceaseless commitment and dedication to excellence and your priceless sacrifices should reinforce to you how special you are, you are a member of an elite group. 

You are a Wingman, Leader, and Warrior. You are great, because you always strive to do your best and always do what's right ... and appreciate your Individual Actions Matter. 

Continue to honor our pledge: I AM responsible, I AM accountable and I AM going to make a positive difference! The week ahead will absolutely be Popetastic, especially if you strive to be an impact Airman with WoW!