COMPACAF celebrates Thanksgiving with ROK Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. LuCelia Ball
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  Gen. Gary North, Pacific Air Forces commander, celebrated Thanksgiving by serving turkey and other holiday favorites to the Airmen serving remote tours in the Republic of Korea.

The general departed here Nov. 21 to visit Kunsan and Osan Air Bases, ROK, taking with him Maj. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas, PACAF director of operations, plans, requirements and programs, Chief Master Sgt. Brooke McLean, PACAF command chief, and four members of the Air Force Civilian Advisory Council.

The trip also provided an opportunity for the AFCAC members to gain an understanding of the life Airmen experience while assigned to the ROK. While touring the two bases, the group found many opportunities to interact with Airmen, viewing military working dogs, getting an up-close look at an F-16 Fighting Falcon, and meeting many of the Airmen who support the mission at the two bases.

Anthony Guerrero Jr., executive vice president for First Hawaiian Bank and AFCAC member, remarked on his experience.

"The Armed Forces is ahead of the curve, when it comes to knowing how to take care of people," he said. "It's the little things in life that count."

Mr. Guerrero also commented on his experiences while meeting the Airmen of Kunsan and Osan.

"Being on the tour and seeing what our forces do on a day-to-day basis makes me proud to be an American," he said. "I'm proud of their commitment to our nation."

The trip also gave General North a change to get a personal look at the lives of his Airmen.

"This year has been designated as 'Year of the Air Force Family' where we focus on new and existing programs to support our Airmen and their families," said General North. "With so many Airmen in Korea serving remote tours away from their families this holiday season--and even our accompanied Airmen and their families who are still far apart from extended family--it's important to emphasize the support provided by the larger Air Force family."

The visit concluded in each of the base dining facilities, where the general visited with Airmen as he carved turkey and passed it out.

The Airman and dining facility workers expressed their appreciation.

"Most of Team Osan's Airmen are without their families, so it's special to have General North, Chief McLean and our other leaders from PACAF and Team Osan join us for Thanksgiving dinner," said Capt. Jennifer Cornell, 51st Force Support Squadron at Osan AB. "It's been a great experience for everyone here today."

General North expressed his pride in the ROK Airmen and the experience as a whole.

"It is an honor and a privilege for me to be with our Airmen across Korea this Thanksgiving," said General North. "I am equally honored and thankful to have four of our Hawaii-based civic leaders joining me in this endeavor. They are busy leaders with families who care enough about our Air Force and Airmen to take time out of their schedules and away from loved ones to show their support."