The Mobility Forum Posts

After Hurricane Andrew devastated South Florida in 1992, entire neighborhoods were flattened—roofs were torn off, walls collapsed, and homes and businesses were reduced to debris.

“We just had a safety event; I should fill out an ASAP.”

Hopefully, that thought sounds familiar, and you have followed through and engaged with the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). This thought begs the question: “What is a safety event?” Or, more specifically, “How do we define safety?”

Col. John B. Kelley became Air Mobility Command (AMC) Director of Safety in 2024. As his time in the role comes to a close, the AMC Safety team and The Mobility Forum staff reflect on his leadership and impact.

Air Mobility Command (AMC) operates at a relentless operational tempo. From executing rapid global airlift and aerial refueling to orchestrating life-saving aeromedical evacuations, the sun never sets on the AMC mission. When people think of the incredible feats accomplished across the command, they often picture pilots navigating contested airspace, loadmasters expertly securing heavy cargo, or maintainers working tirelessly on the flight line in harsh conditions.

Tactical Combat Casualty Care training prepares service members to respond in life-threatening situations, but for Tech. Sgt. Scott Hartnett, 730th Air Mobility Squadron, heavy aircraft integrated avionics craftsman, that training became real during a weekend trip to Okinawa’s Miyagi Islands when a nearby man collapsed and suffered a severe head injury.

Between temporary duty, deployments, and permanent change of station cycles, insurance and estate planning often get pushed into the “I’ll deal with it later” category, and stay there. For many Airmen, the assumption is that they are already covered through Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI). However, SGLI is a starting point, not a complete financial protection plan.

Air mobility operations move fast—and the margin for error is razor-thin. From global aircraft movements and maintenance activities to mission-critical decisions made under intense time pressure, safety depends on sharp individual performance and seamless team coordination.

Combat and operational stress often go unnoticed because their early signs can look like the exhaustion already expected in high-pressure environments. Looking back at past wars, it is easy to identify the moment someone collapsed or could no longer continue. Even harder to see are the warning signs that appeared long before the decline.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) notes that “being homeless, or being at risk of homelessness, is one of the most difficult problems any veteran can face.” In 2025, the VA permanently housed 51,936 homeless veterans across the nation, nearly four thousand more than in 2024, reflecting the progress and services provided by multiple organizations to address this critical issue. Yet, homelessness among veterans remains a significant challenge, impacting thousands of former service members. According to a count conducted in January 2024, 32,882 veterans were experiencing homelessness in the United States.

When the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the United States declared itself an independent nation. The words became significant, and their meaning did not remain confined to the document. The words became real through the people willing to stand behind them.

It is hard not to feel the momentum of rapid technological advancement happening all around. New capabilities emerge almost daily, changing how people work, communicate, and live. While it may be tempting to simply buckle up and enjoy the ride, we are also responsible for steering the “vehicle.” At Air Mobility Command (AMC), that means ensuring Airmen have timely access to the data they need to make informed, mission-critical decisions.

For families navigating serious medical challenges, uplifting moments matter deeply. At Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Wash., Airmen create such moments—a day filled with encouragement, connection, and opportunities for children to simply be kids again, surrounded by a community that stands beside them.