General holds last commander's calls

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Melanie Holochwost
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Brig. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, 56th Fighter Wing commander, addressed Luke members this week in a series of commander's calls to thank everyone for making the last two years a success.

After listing the numerous awards the wing recently won, he told everyone how proud he was for the work they do.

"We train 90 percent of F-16 pilots and all F-16 crew chiefs," General Neubauer said. "We do more sorties in one day than most wings do in a week. And, all that work gets done by you. I didn't win these awards; you did. Chief Raper and I are very proud of everything you have done, and you should be proud too."

General Neubauer announced that he and Chief Master Sgt. Randy Raper, 56th FW command chief, will be leaving in September.

"I will be relinquishing command to Col. Jerry Harris Sept. 20 and Chief Raper is retiring Sept. 24," he said. "I hope to see all of you at the ceremonies, especially Chief Raper's retirement; because there isn't anyone else I know who has a bigger heart for Airmen than him."

As for the future, General Neubauer said the F-35 is being considered for Luke.
"Luke was just named as the preferred alternative training base for the F-35," he said. "But the decision isn't final until the results of the environmental impact study are completed."

Chief Raper said Luke was his 15th assignment and it has been the best by far.
"I wish I could stay in the local area after I retire, but I'm heading up to Oregon instead," he said.