WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- On April 3, 2020, Lt Gen Scobee, Chief of the Air Force Reserve, sent a message to reservists updating his intent in combating COVID-19. His #1 priority is “Take care of Americans, Airmen and families.”
To that end, we are at a pivotal point where we see a shift and are now calling upon Citizen Airmen to join civilian healthcare professionals, first responders and others to support the national effort for pandemic response.
Nothing exemplifies this more than the recent events that transpired over the weekend within our 445th family. Within 24 hours, several health care professionals from the 445th AMDS and ASTS were identified, processed through a deployment line, and transported to an Initial Staging Base where they will join a national effort to care for Americans in need.
It was truly amazing to see our volunteers, support agencies and team members work together to solve a complex problem.
The shift in Reserve priorities forces me to remind you to BE READY!
We are all in this together, so whether you fly, drive, move, build, load, fund, mend, comfort or provide support in any way – you will be called. We don’t know exactly when that call will come so again, be ready.
Thank you to those who I woke up early and or contacted late this past weekend to get our brave professionals out the door. Americans depended on you and you delivered!
Regards,
RAYMOND A. SMITH JR., Col, USAF