F-16 Fighting Falcon News

February 9, 2009 (by SrA Brandon Craig) - Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner, Jr., Chief of Air Force Reserve and Commander of Air Force Reserve Command, spoke at the 419th Fighter Wing's Outstanding Airmen of the Year awards banquet Saturday.
"It's great to be back," General Stenner said to a crowd of more than 400 wing personnel and their families. "This is where I cut my teeth on the F-16."

The general said he is a proud alumnus of the 419th FW, having served as the 419th Operations Group commander from 1994 to 1995.

General Stenner congratulated the wing on its many "firsts" - from being the first Reserve unit to receive the F-16, to being the first Reserve fighter wing to integrate with a Regular Air Force counterpart as part of Total Force Integration. He also suggested the wing may rack up another first with the possible arrival of the F-35 aircraft - a proposition he promised to back.

Earlier in the day, General Stenner ate lunch with the award nominees. After mission and TFI briefings, the general toured several work areas, including the propulsion flight, the 466th Fighter Squadron, the 419th Force Support Flight, and the 67th Aerial Port Squadron.

General Stenner also observed the Phase I ORE processing line, where he was able to interact with many young Airmen.

The general conducted a commander's call Sunday, where he shared his vision of the Air Force Reserve's future and took questions from Airmen.

"You are providing capability on a daily basis around the world right now," he said. "My hat's off to you as you do the job you're trained to day in and day out."