ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Lt. Gen. Donald “Gene” Kirkland, Air Force Sustainment Center commander, was at Robins Air Force Base Nov. 28 through 30, 2018.
In addition to visiting mission areas at the 78th Air Base Wing and Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, he visited the Airman’s Attic and Thrift Shop.
Interacting with volunteers at local agencies on the base was a highlight for Kirkland.
“The Thrift Shop and Airman’s Attic are, without a doubt, two of the best kept secrets on Air Force bases,” Kirkland said. “The services they provide to our families are remarkable.”
These volunteers help sustain Robins junior Airmen and their households, just as ALC maintainers sustain the vital aircraft of the warfighters.
“These agencies could not exist without the generosity of our Total Force Airmen and the incredible staff, who tirelessly donate time and energy to benefit the installation at large,” added Kirkland.
The Robins Thrift Shop offers a variety of goods that can be purchased at a fraction of the new cost, while the Airman’s Attic offers many basic necessities for free to enlisted members and their families. Both services are run primarily by volunteers dedicated to helping families meet their basic needs during times of transition or other challenges they may be facing.
In addition to thanking Robins’ volunteers, Kirkland also presented 40-year service awards to three members of Team Robins; Derek Abron, 402nd Electronics Maintenance Group; John Hein, Air Force Sustainment Center; and Richard Smith, WR-ALC Inspector General office.
During his tour of the base, Kirkland was updated on program depot maintenance for the E-8C Joint Stars and C-5 Super Galaxy at the WR-ALC.
The 638th Supply Chain Management Group also provided an immersion tour focused on its mission to deliver life cycle sustainment support for aircraft structural, communications and electronic commodities.
After a breakfast with AFSC enlisted members at Robins, Kirkland received an aerial tour of the installation followed by tours of the 78th Medical Group, Air Force Advanced Training and Technology Center-Middle Georgia and the Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center.
“It is always inspiring to see the great work being accomplished here,” Kirkland said. “We are taking care of the warfighter, and we are also taking care of our people. Team Robins and the supporting community are strong, and the combined contributions to the sustainment enterprise and our Airmen are amazing.”