10th Air Force Commander encourages rescue group deployers and experiences CSAR mission

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Luke Johnson
  • 943rd Rescue Group Public Affairs
DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The newest commander of 10th Air Force experienced firsthand the skills and dedication required for combat-search-and-rescue Airmen during his first-ever visit as the numbered Air Force commander to the 943rd Rescue Group, Jan. 25, 2012.

During his visit here, Brig. Gen. William Binger, 10th Air Force Commander, was also able to speak to and visit with rescue warriors as they departed on a deployment to Afghanistan. He provided words of support and encouragement as the rescue group warriors headed overseas.

"It's an emotional time, having deployed myself a number of times," Binger said. "I was really honored to be there, and it's really important for the leadership to stand up in front and thank them. This is harder on the families that stay back than it is on the deployers who go forward."

The general was impressed with the 100-percent volunteerism within the rescue group for this deployment.

"The volunteerism is surprising to the outsider, but once you know the Air Force family, the units are very close," Binger said. "People would not obviously do this mission unless they absolutely loved it and they liked the people they work for."

The dedication and professionalism of all the Airmen he encountered during his visit left a lasting impression on him.

"The high morale here is impressive and it's easy to see how much people love the mission here; they should be proud of what they do," said Binger. "I'm honored to be in command of an organization like this from the 10th Air Force perspective; it's an outstanding unit with many deployments and many saves."

For more information on the 920th Rescue Wing, follow them on Facebook and Twitter