MDW commander visits Bolling

  • Published
  • By A1C Katherine Windish
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
BOLLING AFB, D.C. --  Brig. Gen. Karl Horst, Military District of Washington commander, visited Bolling Air Force Base July 29 to tour Air Force District of Washington assets here.

The tour began at the 11th Wing Headquarters where General Horst took some time to introduce himself to AFDW and 11th Wing senior leaders and give a brief history of his career and insight into his priorities.

"The most important thing we do as a joint force is to come together to accomplish the mission," he said.

Along with the general, MDW command Sgt. Major Michael Williams attended the tour and visited the Bolling facilities while greeting Bolling Airmen.

A former enlisted member himself, General Horst believes that the future of the military is in the hands of young enlisted servicemembers.

"I think it's very important that officers and senior enlisted take care of our soldiers and Airmen," General Horst said. "It's our responsibility to prepare our young enlisted for anything. They are our future chiefs and sergeant majors and flag officers. They are the face of the military."

Maj. Gen. Ralph Jodice, AFDW commander, and Col. Jon Roop, 11th Wing commander, briefed General Horst on their commands' missions.

General Jodice informed General Horst of the distinctive assets and missions that both Bolling and Andrews AFBs provide as part of the Air Force portion of MDW's joint force.

"AFDW is one of three direct reporting units in the Air Force," said General Jodice. "We're this hybrid organization that's really very unique. The AFDW executes Air Force operations and supports joint force and inter-agency operations in the National Capital Region while providing superior support to combatant commanders."

He also spoke of Bolling's enormous global mission of providing customer support for Airmen all over the world, including himself.

"We have a huge worldwide mission," he said. "We figure we take care of about 48,000 people. When I was in China and my pay got messed up, it was the people at Bolling that took care of me."

Colonel Roop continued to expand on the things that Bolling in particular does to support both Air Force and Joint Service missions.

"We never have a down day," he said. "Somebody is always working, because our customers are relying on us."

After the mission briefs, General Horst went on a tour of the Honor Guard compound where he was introduced to the Airmen of the United States Air Force Honor Guard and watched the body bearers and firing party train for funereal duties.

On this tour, he made sure to introduce himself to every Airmen and let them know how much he appreciates their service.

"To all you junior officers and enlisted folks, thank you for what you do," he said.

Airman 1st Class Robert J. Matthews, United States Air Force Honor Guard body bearer appreciated the general's thanks and said, "The fact that he introduced himself, and was genuinely interested in all of us, shows how much he cares about the junior enlisted force."