Chief Master Sergeant Justin Apticar, 51st Fighter Wing Command Chief Ironically, I was at Osan Air Base on Sept. 11, 2001. I remember the day because I was a young Staff Sergeant TDY from Kadena Air Base, Japan. We got a call late at night alerting everyone to come into work. As an Airman assigned to the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron, I remember our unit gathering to figure out what was going on because it was late at night. We didn’t know exactly what was happening during that time, but as you can imagine we were getting prepared. I never expected to be a Command Chief, but to be the 51st Fighter Wing Command Chief exactly 20 years after those terrible events that impacted our nation’s history is interesting. To lead Airmen during this time is a privilege and an honor. I’m always mindful of why we do what we do here at Osan. Readiness remains a top priority and Airmen should always be prepared to “Fight Tonight”.

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