Wing Commander hosts all call

Col. Andrew Gebara, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, praises Team Barksdale Airmen on the accomplishments of 2013 during an all-call on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 3, 2014. Some of the accomplishments included a zero discrepancy Initial Nuclear Surety Inspection and the Air Force Global Strike Command's first ever outstanding rating for a wing in a Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)

Wing Commander hosts all call

Col. Andrew Gebara, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, speaks with Team Barksdale Airmen during an all-call on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 3, 2014. Gebara spoke about the importance of refocusing in order to ensure another successful year, as well as staying resilient and taking care of fellow wingmen. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)

Wing Commander hosts all call

Col. Andrew Gebara, 2nd Bomb Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. Curtis Storms, 2nd BW command chief, present Staff Sgt. Curtis Sutton, 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operations control center assistance NCO in charge, with technical sergeant stripes during his Stripes for Exceptional Performers promotion on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 3, 2014. The STEP program, Stripes for Exceptional Performers, supplements existing Airmen promotion programs and is designed to accommodate unique circumstances that, in the commander's judgment, clearly warrant promotion. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)

Wing Commander hosts all call

Staff Sgt. Curtis Sutton, 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operations control center assistance NCO in charge, hugs his son shortly after being promoted to technical sergeant under the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 3, 2014. Sutton and his family were surprised with a STEP-promotion during a 2nd Bomb Wing all-call. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)

Wing Commander hosts all call

Tech. Sgt. Curtis Sutton, 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operations control center assistance NCO in charge, and his family pose for a photo on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 3, 2014. Sutton was surprised with a STEP-promotion at the base all-call. The STEP program, Stripes for Exceptional Performers, supplements existing Airmen promotion programs and is designed to accommodate unique circumstances that, in the commander's judgment, clearly warrant promotion. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)

Wing Commander holds All-Call; step promotes one Airman

Published Jan. 3, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Sean Martin
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The commander of the "Mighty Deuce" held an all-call Jan. 3 to reflect on the wing's accomplishments in 2013 and set expectations for the nation's largest, most historic bomb wing in the year ahead.

"2013 was a great year for the wing, the nuclear enterprise and the long-range bomber mission," said Gebara. "We had many accomplishments, to include a zero discrepancy Initial Nuclear Surety Inspection and Air Force Global Strike Command's first outstanding rating for a bomb wing in a Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection."

Gebara talked about how important it is for Airmen to refocus their minds in order to ensure another successful year.

"Historically, after a holiday break we have the highest number of mishaps. We are ready for this and have prepared for it, but I ask of you all to put in the max amount of effort to refocus, get back in the game and be ready to go."

Gebara also asked that Airmen refocus their minds when it comes to their home life as well.

"I need you all to refocus on each other," said Gebara. "Although many of you may have had a great holiday season, that was not the case for everyone. Take it upon yourself to get involved with the Airmen in your shop and let them know you care."

During the all-call, Gebara also recognized one Airman for his selfless actions while deployed and being very involved with his family, co-workers and community.

Staff Sgt. Curtis Sutton, 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, vehicle operations control center assistance NCO in-charge, was STEP-promoted to the rank of technical sergeant during the all-call.

"This was definitely a huge shock to me," said Sutton. "I was told that I would be receiving a yearly award. I was not expecting a promotion."

Sutton added that this will be a memory he and his wife cherish forever.

"This is the first promotion my wife and I have shared together and it felt great to have my children present as well to share in this moment," said Sutton. "Anything can be accomplished by striving for your goals.

After the presentation, Gebara ended the all-call by reemphasizing the importance of preparing our minds for the challenges ahead in 2014.

"2013 was a fantastic year and 2014 is going to be challenging," said Gebara. "It's the men and women like you that will get us to a win."