Thanks Gen. Corley: Here's a chance to acknowledge hard work

The higher you go in any organization, the less often you hear positive comments. It is part of the price you pay for taking on a position of leadership.

But today, Wayne County and the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base community have a distinguished visitor, someone who fights every day, not just for the airmen who serve under him, but to maintain the air power that keeps this country free.

Gen. John Corley is here on official business -- one of his many duties as the head of Air Combat Command.

There are many people who probably do not realize the key role he plays not only in the future of the Air Force, but in the protection of the nation.

And his current responsibilities are just one more addendum to an already distinguished resume of service to his country.

And just like anyone who has such an important job, his day is spent dealing with concerns, challenges and planning for a future that takes care of the airmen who serve under him and the nation he has sworn to protect.

Not much time in that day for anyone to remind him that they appreciate what he and his staff do to protect America.

But today, we have that chance.

So, while we welcome him to Wayne County and ask him to continue to work to take care of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, we also take the time to thank him for all he does every day to keep us free.

It won't be an official commendation and the comment might not make the papers in Washington, but you can bet it will matter to the man who has dedicated his career to taking care of millions of people he has never met.

Published in Editorials on January 22, 2009 10:43 AM