 Kabwe Station got its 'wow' moment when the Air Force Commander, Lt Gen Colin Barry, visited the Station){kind=link}
Zambia: Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Kabwe Station got its ‘wow’ moment when the Air Force Commander, Lt Gen Colin Barry, visited the Station on an impromptu and half day working tour to check on projects and personnel welfare.
Was it not for the sound of the Agusta Bell 212 Helicopter and a few others in the loop, personnel could have just met their Commander on the go doing his work.
He arrived and conducted a tour of the Supply Services Squadrons, single quarters for the living-ins, ZAF Kabwe Mini Hospital and the state-of-the-art banquet hall and messing facilities, where he commended the Station and its personnel for putting to good use the financial resources to build and upgrade infrastructure.
Gen Barry then proceeded with open-ended interactions at the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ Mess.
He also took time to appreciate and recognize each serviceman and woman’s hard work, saying that this has seen the Air Force continue delivering on its constitutional mandate.
In return, personnel freely engaged and exchanged views on various issues with their Commander and together chartered a way to better the status quo of ZAF Kabwe Station.
As the saying goes, ‘bwangu tachelwa’ soldiers were already charmed and could not help but express their excitement in morale songs that always rekindle memories of the joys of military training while at the same time keeping alive the soldiers’ fighting spirit – the busetele songs.
Did the Commander watch? No! ZAF Kabwe’s vibes are infectious, he joined in the rare moment, making personnel enjoy every bit of it up close.
“We are here with my team to check on you and see what makes your work environments better for your productivity and selfless service to our great Nation both in peacetime and war. I appreciate and am proud of the efforts that you push every day to achieve our mandates. We have looked at the issues, and my job is now to provide solutions. It is important that all our personnel are clear on the direction the Air Force is taking in order to achieve our objectives and goals. ZAF Kabwe remains strategic because of what you do” said the Air Force Commander to a charmed and cheering ZAF Kabwe Personnel.
Station Commander Col Innocent Njenjema could not wrap it better.
“The Commander, Sir, your personnel are grateful for your time off your busy schedule. As a Station, we appreciate your support and are ready to undertake any task. We also remain dedicated to duty and loyal to the Commander in Chief of the Defence Force, the Air Force Commander and the people of Zambia,” said the Station Commander.
The Air Force Commander was accompanied on the working tour by the Chiefs of General Engineering, Finance, Administration and Supply Services and some Staff Officers.