People, mission, motivation Published Jan. 18, 2007 By Col. Timothy Zadalis 43rd Airlift Wing Commander POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Our mission is a unique one, and one you should all be proud of. You should be proud of the contributions you make to our nation's defense everyday. Our people, our mission, and our motivation. With the increase of personnel in theater supporting OEF and OIF, it's our vital tactical airlift mission that will be ever increasingly important. Our professional aircrews and maintenance crews are able to do their jobs because of the outstanding mission support they receive. Our warfighting partners with the 23rd Fighter Group, 18th Air Support Operations Group and 21st Special Tactics Squadron also rely on that support to fight the Global War on Terror. Prior to their Operational Readiness Inspections, our world class Medical and Mission Support Groups, and Wing Staff Agencies demonstrated that it takes a team to succeed. Even though you may not see how your garrison mission directly relates to GWOT, but we can't accomplish the mission without each and every one of you. It is those efforts and mission accomplishment that will shine during our upcoming Unite Compliance Inspection, which is a validation of our hard work and is a chance to showcase our strong programs and outstanding personnel. The Air Mobility Command Inspector General's Office knows of our great reputation, and this UCI is an opportunity to validate that reputation. I truly appreciate the long hours everyone is putting in, many on the weekends. But, in the end it will all be worth it and will show that we are not only ready for the inspection but for any real-world challenges we may face. Unfortunately, our DUI free streak ended on Sunday. I'm extremely proud that we went nearly 70 days with an incident; through three holidays and several 3-day weekends. Because of that, we will have a DUI down day in February. We need to break our current record, and with all of your help we will. Next week, there will be a commander's call during Gen. McNabb's, AMC Commander, visit. On Feb. 1 at 7 p.m., there will be a town hall meeting at the Youth Center. This will be a venue where we will provide you with an update on BRAC and also give you the opportunity for you and your families to ask questions about issues that concern you. I would like to welcome both Gen. McNabb and his wife Linda, along with Chief Master Sgt. Joe Barron, AMC Command Chief. They will see some of the Air Force's finest Airmen, one of the greatest examples of jointness, and the greatest community support in the country. Lastly, Be SAFE and ALWAYS be there for your WINGMAN.