2014: A historic year for our Air Force

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody
  • Air Force News Service
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  Around the world, many families and friends enjoy the holiday season and ring in a new year. Yet, we are actively globally engaged, and many Airmen will spend the season away from loved ones. Nonetheless, it's a time of celebration for many and reflection for many more. As we close another chapter in our history, we take pride in all our Airmen, Air Force and families accomplished. The year has seen many achievements and challenges, but you consistently met them with honor, humility and resilience.

We continued to win the fight by aiding our Afghan partners as they establish and operationalize a sustainable air force; we partnered with Iraqi and coalition partners to push back the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant, a truly vicious adversary; and we supported logistics, training and engineering efforts in Africa to contain the Ebola virus.

Force management was a difficult trial this year. We took big losses through involuntary and involuntary programs. Thankfully, there will not be any involuntary force management programs in 2015.

Through it all, we've continued to strengthen the team. We introduced the Airman Comprehensive Assessment, supporting a dialogue between Airmen and their supervisors; we reinvigorated the nuclear enterprise; and we delivered higher quality professional military education through blended-learning courses.

We shaped the future to meet strategic vectors outlined in the Air Force 30-Year Strategy. We launched the Airman Powered by Innovation program to effectively turn ideas into cost savings, and introduced changes to the Enlisted Performance Reports and Weighted Airman Promotion System, ensuring job performance is the most important factor when evaluating and identifying Airmen for promotion.

These are significant strides and scratch the surface of what we've has done in 2014. From top to bottom, our Airmen grew leaner, faster and stronger. As you meet with your team, reflect on those accomplishments. Consider the impact you have made in the world's greatest Air Force. Thank those around you who offered a helping hand and, if the mission allows, enjoy well-earned time off with those who deserve our greatest gratitude: our families.

The new year will come soon enough and have its own trials, but if our history is any indication, we'll once again triumph. It's what we do, and what we have always done. You are our greatest asset and strength and we couldn't be prouder of each and every one of you.