7th Air Force vice commander bids farewell to Osan, reflects on tenure Published Oct. 7, 2011 By Maj Eric Badger 7th Air Force Public Affairs OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- After serving as the 7th Air Force Vice Commander since May 2010, Brigadier General Scott L. Dennis said a heart-felt thank you and farewell to Team Osan and the South Korean community. "It's all about the friendships my family and I have gained, both South Korean and American," the General said. "My wife and I were here with our family 10 years ago, and we had a wonderful time. The second time around was just as wonderful as the first." However, his second assignment at Osan Air Base, Korea offered a slightly different perspective than his first arrival as Major Scott Dennis, Director of Weapons and Tactics in June 1998. "In the position of Vice Commander, I was afforded more of an opportunity to build incredible partnerships with the South Korean people and the Republic of Korea military," he said. "I'm impressed by the support the South Korean people have given the U.S. military, and specifically the Airmen of the 7th Air Force." During his tenure as the 7th Air Force Vice Commander, General Dennis was also Chief of Staff, Air Component Command, Osan Air Base, South Korea. The 7th Air Force mission is to organize, train and equip warfighting forces supporting the Air Component Command assigned to the Combined Forces Command, and perform missions that support United Nations Command armistice maintenance. Last week, General Dennis departed from his post as Vice Commander to fill the post as Commander of Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. "I'll be the second U.S. Commander of what is a multi-national command," he said. "I'll be working on the NATO side running the airfield and defending the base. It is a vast operation. Approximately 25,000 to 30,000 people are there and well over 400 aircraft. It will be challenging, but rewarding I'm sure." The General noted that his role as the 7th Air Force Vice Commander provided him with a broader knowledge and understanding of building partnerships - an element he said is critical to his new assignment. "Our ROK Air Force partners and the South Korean people have taught me a great deal about how to operate between language challenges and perspective differences, while maintaining common goals and attaining those goals together," said the General. "I have no doubt the skills that I have learned here will serve me well in Afghanistan." The General is quick to highlight that the "Get-R-Done" attitude of the 7th Air Force, 51st Fighter Wing and 8th Fighter Wing stand out foremost in his mind as the most distinctive accomplishments during his 15-month tenure. General Dennis said, "In the short time I've been here, through all the challenges and hurdles, maintaining our ability to 'fight tonight' and stability on the peninsula make me the proudest. Our Korean friends know we're ready to fight alongside them. I'm honored to have served with the great men and women of Team Osan." The General added that he would be remiss if he did not offer one last challenge to the U.S. military on the Korean peninsula. "I challenge each and every one of you to keep up the great work," he said. "Korea is a dynamic, constantly changing environment. We cannot afford to lose our vigilance or become complacent. Our mission here is far too important. We must never lose sight of that." General Dennis also shared one final piece of advice that has served him well throughout his stellar 26-year career. "Treat each day as your finest hour, because it might just be," he said. "It's the military way of life. You never know when a significant, life-changing moment will happen to you. If you keep that in mind, chances are when your moment comes you'll be ready for it." Brigadier General Kurt F. Neubauer, currently deployed to Balad, Iraq, will replace Brigadier General Dennis.