Spacy, a former Wright-Patterson AFB commander, traveled throughout the base during the day-long tour, visiting the base operations tower, fire station, temporary lodging facility, base housing, Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and other areas, receiving updates on current construction projects and on possible future ones.
“It was great to have Maj. Gen. Spacy visit Wright-Patterson to understand the challenges we’re facing here,” said Col. Thomas Sherman, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander. “I couldn’t be prouder of our team here, and it was great to showcase some of our Airmen and what they are accomplishing across the base. AFIMSC has been crucial in providing installation support, and I look forward to that continuing.”
Spacy, who previously commanded the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard in Washington, D.C, also visited the Wright-Patterson Honor Guard. The group provides military funeral honors for Air Force active-duty members, retirees and veterans who have honorably served within a 210,000-square-mile, six-state area.
Spacy noted to the Honor Guard the importance of their mission, reminding them that for all the sacrifices service members make throughout their lives, the Honor Guard enables the Air Force to say “thank you” only once and it should be at the same level of dedication, whether services are for a new Airmen or a seasoned general.
Spacy went on to encourage Airmen to take care of one another, as the situations the Honor Guard supports can be both physically and emotionally taxing.
“We just wanted to make him proud because he knows this program and he knows the importance of it,” said Master Sgt. LaDonna Ford, WPAFB Honor Guard superintendent. “He seemed very pleased with what we’re doing and he understands our mission.”
Midway through the tour, Spacy had lunch with Airmen from the 88th Security Forces Squadron and 788th Civil Engineering Squadron. Spacy discussed his “every Airman is a warrior” concept for cross-functional training, where Airmen can support emergency or contingency operations immediately as all would have a baseline of training and the importance of Airmen innovation.
“That would definitely be helpful. It helps us to do our job better, and it looks better on our resume, military or civilian, to be well-rounded and certified in things you need to know and also in things that can help you perform your daily duties,” said Airman 1st Class Dong Quach, 88th Security Forces Squadron entry controller and alarm monitor. “It felt surreal honestly [to have lunch with him]. I’ve never really sat down and talked to a general that used to be a cop that’s “been there, done that” so it felt amazing to pick his brain.”
Spacy expressed his appreciation for the work being done at Wright-Patterson and said he looked forward to assisting in overcoming challenges where he could.
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