Military Matters for Georgians: resign

05 June 2008

Chief of Staff United States Air Force Resigns

Recent events have highlighted a loss of focus on certain critical matters within the Air Force. As the Air Force's senior uniformed leader, I take full responsibility for events which have hurt the Air Force's reputation or raised a question of every Airman's commitment to our core values. For the past 36 years I have been privileged to serve my country as an Airman in the United States Air Force in peacetime and combat. I was honored and humbled to be appointed the Air Force's 18th Chief of Staff and have been proud to serve our Airmen and their families. Upon taking office, I worked hard with Secretary Wynne to ensure the Air Force provided the right forces at the right time to help our Nation and allies win the Global War on Terror.

I think the honorable thing to do is to step aside. After consulting with my family, I intend to submit my request for retirement to Secretary Gates. The Air Force is bigger than one Airman, and I have full confidence that the Air Force will continue working with the Joint team to win today's fight, take care of its Airmen, and meet tomorrow's challenges. I love the Air Force and remain proud of America's Airmen.

T. Michael Moseley
Chief of Staff
United States Air Force

Secretary of the Air Force Resigns

Since November 3, 2005, it has been my privilege to serve this country as the 21st Secretary of the Air Force. I have relished the opportunity President Bush gave me to lead the strongest Air Force in the world during a time of war, and I have marveled at the tremendous accomplishments of our Airmen and civilians in their valiant defense of this country and its interests. It has been an honor and pleasure to serve as their Secretary while working side-by-side with General Moseley and the magnificent patriots serving in the Department of Defense and the United States Government to win today's fight, take care of our people, and prepare for tomorrow's challenges.

Recent events convince me that it is now time for a new leader to take the stick and for me to move on. Therefore I plan to tender my resignation to Secretary Gates. Even as I do, my heart, my thoughts, and prayers remain with America's Airmen who will continue to do magnificent things for this great country.

Michael W. Wynne
Secretary of the Air Force

About Bob Konrad & Military Matters in Fayette

I am Bob Konrad a WWII US Navy Veteran; legally I am Robert J. Konrad and that's Konrad with a "K". I have been deeply involved in local Veterans issues since I joined Peachtree City VFW Post 9949 in December 1999 and particularly since I was elected Quartermaster in April 2000: I hold this office now and have been reelected each year since 2000.

The Fayette Front Page asked if I would consider writing a Blog on Military Matters (I thought I was agreeing to writing Veterans items). I reported that I accepted and when I saw the title I pleaded that I had very little involvement with the military life since I served only 105 weeks out of my nearly 82 years. They convinced me I could concentrate on Veterans items and perhaps my Granddaughter who joined the US Air Force in the summer of 2006 and served a short time in Iraq late this year could write something.

At our Christmas gathering in Buffala, NY, Danielle's sister Gabrielle told us she has decided to take a commission in the US Air Force after her college graduation this summer. Perhaps I will get either or both of these Graddaughters to write something about their service.

If you are Retired Military or active in the Military and have items you would like to submit for publication in this section I would welcome them.