Minot AFB bids farewell to “great American”

Published Sept. 3, 2008
By Airman 1st Class Wesley Wright
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Red, white and blue was the theme Aug. 25 at the Jimmy Doolittle Center here as the base bids farewell to a "great American."

Chief Master Sgt. Mark Brejcha, 91st Missile Wing command chief master sergeant, coined the phrase "great American," and it has been his catch phrase ever since his arrival here two years ago. Approximately 150 people showed up to wish the chief well on his way to Edwards AFB, Calif.

"Wow, I'm finally speechless for once," Chief Brejcha said during his going away speech. "This has been an outstanding assignment in so many ways. Each person on this base is special to me. Everyone here is part of my family."

Known by his signature "Brejcha bump" (a fist-pound greeting), Chief Brejcha worked hand-in-hand with the 5th Bomb Wing command chief master sergeant, Chief Master Sgt. Mark Clark, on many projects -- many of them specifically for Airmen.

Overall, Chief Brejcha was heavily involved in the Airmen Against Drunk Driving Program, helped build and secure funding for a base ice rink and helped spearhead the effort to get new dormitories here.

Chief Brejcha said he is leaving at a time when Minot is on the path to a "return to glory."

"Returning to glory is a vision from our senior leaders," the chief said. "We're learning from the past year of trials and challenges. I know the leadership at Minot AFB will bring us to a place of excellence ... a Minot like never before!"

Col. Chris Ayres, 91st MW commander, explained the concept.

"The mission never stops and neither does the chief," Colonel Ayres said. "It was Chief Brejcha who originally gave me the theme 'return to glory.' That stuck out in my mind and I decided that would be our theme. So, his legacy will carry on here at Minot."

Chief Master Sergeant Mark Clark, had nothing but high praise for his 91st MW counterpart.

"Mark is a tremendous leader in our Air Force and in our community," he said. "It's been fun. I don't think a day went by on this base where he didn't make me laugh. Edwards AFB is lucky."

Chief Brejcha credits his family as the reason to his success here.

"I could not do what I do without my family," he said. "My wonderful wife and kids have made all this possible. In a place like Minot, where conditions can be challenging at times, you need the help and support of your family. It is critical."
The chief said he is proud to have served alongside "great Americans" here at Minot and urged Airmen not to forget why they do what they do.

"It all goes back to the realms of love," Chief Brejcha said. "Whether it's love for your country, family, children, friends, other Airmen or yourself, it's love for something that keeps us doing what we do."

In closing, the chief had a final shout-out for Airmen at Minot AFB.

"Hold your head high," Chief Brejcha said. "Continue to do incredible things. I feel that in a very short time, Minot AFB will be in the headlines for a good reason. You WILL return to glory!"