Spouses: We Appreciate You! Published Jan. 13, 2012 By Col. Billy Thompson 23rd Wing commander MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Below is a letter written by Col. Billy Thompson, 23rd Wing commander at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. This letter goes out to all the spouses of military members who fall under the 23rd Wing, some of whom are stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. (Note: Nellis had its Winter Wingman Day in December 2011.) It is hard to imagine that Julie and I have been back here at Moody Air Force Base for over five months. The opportunity to serve as part of the Flying Tigers is awesome and there is nowhere I would rather be. I want to take this opportunity to let each of you know that I understand that no member of Team Moody is successful without the support of his/her spouse. Without your sustained love and patience, the job wouldn't get done. Air Force families have been supporting Overseas Contingency Operations for more than 10 years. For that fact alone, you deserve our deepest appreciation. You have my personal "thank you" for the job you are doing. Together with our Moody AFB Integrated Delivery System agencies, the staff and I have been reviewing the results of the 2011 Air Force Community Assessment conducted this past spring. One issue in particular concerns me. Spouses, especially those married to our more junior ranking personnel, pay grades E1 - E6, feel that leadership at all levels has been less proactive when supporting them and their families. This level has been falling slightly but steadily since 2006. I am going to share this information with my senior leaders. They need to know how you feel. As some of you may already know, the 23rd Wing and 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing are going to stand-down on Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, for our Winter Wingman Day. Everyone in the two wings, to include active duty, civilian employees and contractors, are going to pause from the day-to-day mission to look at how we are doing. Each of the various groups and squadrons are planning day-long activities to include time for fun and fellowship. Spouses and children will be invited to take part in some of these events. I would like you to know that you are invited to join your loved one. I hope that as many of you as possible will join us. Let me repeat this again; you are a valuable member of Team Moody. Please know that I appreciate you and the sacrifices you have made and will continue to make to support our mission in the days and years ahead. Thank you! Billy D. Thompson, Colonel, USAF Commander
