Airlift Tanker Association executive board visits base

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Amanda Porter
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  Former Air Mobility Command commander, retired Gen. Arthur Lichte, spoke at the Airlift Tanker Association executive board meeting Feb. 7-8, 2014 at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.

The A/TA is dedicated to ensuring that American military forces continue to have the air mobility capability required to implement U.S. national security strategy, according to their mission statement.

"It supports mobility Airmen around the world, not just here in the U.S., but all mobility Airmen," said Lichte.

Membership in A/TA offers several benefits and opportunities to Airmen around the globe to include: educational grants and scholarships, professional development lectures and seminars, mentorship from senior officer and enlisted leaders, opportunities in civil aviation, and volunteer opportunities in the local community.

The general became involved with A/TA when AMC first stood up in the early 90s.

He said he was attracted to the program because of its support to the mobility mission and Airmen.

With his Mobility Air Force experience at the command level, Lichte has seen the vitality of Little Rock AFB's role in combat airlift and mobility to the Air Force and the Department of Defense.

"When you see the C-130 and the aircrew that support the mission in action, especially in combat, it's mind-boggling," said Lichte. "At the command level, I constantly received reports on all the great work C-130s were doing. I've always been impressed with the C-130 mission."

The retired general visited Little Rock AFB several times during his active-duty service and said he always loved the attitude of Airmen at the Rock.

"AMC has been blessed with good support in all of their communities," said Lichte, "But when you start looking at all of those communities, a few of those rise to the top, and Little Rock is certainly one of those that rise to the top."

Lichte said community support could make or break a base, but he felt nothing but positive experiences at Little Rock AFB.

"(Community members) would take the time to tell you as a commander that they support the Airmen at Little Rock and wanted to know what they could do to help," said Lichte. "That is invaluable."

Whether through humanitarian efforts or combat airlift, Lichte said he sees a bright future for Air Mobility Command.

"Mother Nature will continue to play havoc with the world, and enemies will always try to do something to defeat us or defeat our friends and allies," said Lichte. "AMC will go and go and go. They'll be the first ones there, and they'll be the last to leave."

As mobility Airmen continue to support the mission, so will the A/TA continue to support mobility Airmen.

The next meeting for the Little Rock AFB chapter is March 13 at the Thomas Community Activity Center from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. To join the Razorback Chapter of A/TA contact Maj. Daniel Mendoza, president, or Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Weimer, membership committee chairman.