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Gen. Votel visits Cannon

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eboni Reece
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  U.S. Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel, Commander United States Special Operations Command, visited Cannon Air Force Base, July 22.

During his short visit, Votel received briefings from subject matter experts attached to various aerial assets, conversed with personnel and recent award winners, conducted a base-wide all call, and witnessed a 26th Special Tactics Squadron demonstration.

Votel spoke to several hundred Air Commandos about SOCOM’s mission, current events and the following SOCOM priorities -- ensuring Special Operations Forces readiness, helping the nation win, continuing to build relationships, preparing for the future, and preservation of the force and families.

At any given time, there are several thousand people deployed, engaged and involved in the special operations mission and this remote location in New Mexico [Cannon Air Force Base] is critical to that mission, said Votel.

Votel also expressed his elation at the opportunity to meet with many Air Commandos and learn more about the wing’s capabilities. He spoke candidly with each Airman he came in contact with and discussed about their families, hometowns and memorable moments in their career.

Mental health was a topic of importance for the SOCOM commander and he used a descriptive analogy to drive home his points.

When someone is wounded on the battlefield, we do everything we can to get that person back to optimum health. The same rules apply with issues that occur from the neck up—emotional, financial, relationship and mental stressors, said Votel.

“It is normal and expected that you will ask for help when you need it,” said Votel.

The SOCOM commander answered questions from Air Commandos of all ranks during the all call and covered various topics such as the future of SOF, effects of sequestration, mental health stigmas and the roles of the Guard/ Reserve SOF personnel.

Votel concluded his tour with a flight to Melrose Air Force Range, New Mexico aboard a CV-22 Osprey to witness a tactics demonstration from members of the 26 STS.

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