Outgoing AFMC commander praises diversity
When Gen. Donald Hoffman was a cadet at the Air Force Academy in 1970, a huge sign said “Bring me men.”
The outgoing commander of Air Force Materiel Command cited that to show how much the Air Force has changed in his 42 years of service. He will be succeeded by the first four-star female in the Air Force.
“A major difference has been the acceptance of diversity on many fronts,” Hoffman said in an interview published on the AFMC website last week. “Diversity is important so that all members of the Air Force, no matter their background, beliefs or gender can feel that they are part of a team that embraces their strengths.”
He has headed AFMC, the parent agency of Robins Air Force Base, for 3 1/2 years. He will retire in a change of command ceremony Tuesday. Lt. Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger will be the new commander.
“It has been my good fortune to be part of the best Air Force in the world for 42 years,” he said. “It was the best Air Force in the world when I joined it. It’s smaller now, its missions have changed somewhat now, but it is still the best Air Force in the world, and I have total confidence that those that follow me will keep it the best Air Force in the world. I lose no sleep whatsoever on the quality of leadership that the Air Force has today and will continue to have.”
Program uses horses for healing soldiers
For centuries, horses were an integral part of military operations, and the Department of Defense is still finding a use for them.
According to a story by the Air Force News Service, equine specialists use horses on the grounds of the Air Force Academy as a part of its Warrior Wellness Program. Service members can participate in the program as a way to recover from physical and emotional trauma, particularly those related to combat duty.
Most of the participants are soldiers in Colorado, but the program is open to all military members, the story states.
In addition to horseback riding, the horses are used in lessons that include asking participants to identify horse behaviors they can relate to the most and why.
“Once we get them on horseback, it’s like they’re free again,” said equine specialist Andy Popejoy. “It’s kind of like reading the Bible sometimes when you’re looking for that peace and tranquility -- and horses do that. They do it for me, and they have all my life. No matter how bad things get, I can either pick up my Bible or I can get on my horse.”
Horse therapy is an emerging field in the private sector and often is used to help people with disabilities and emotional problems.
The story quoted Winston Churchill: “There’s something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”
To contact writer Wayne Crenshaw, call 256-9725.
This story was originally published June 3, 2012 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Outgoing AFMC commander praises diversity ."