Terribly fond farewell: AFDW sends off vice commander in style

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Amaani Lyle
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
Staffers and family members gathered yesterday for a Pittsburgh Steelers-themed send off at Air Force District of Washington headquarters in honor of outgoing Vice Commander Col. Kevin Eastland Sept. 5.

An avid Steelers fan, Eastland showed off his newly-received JuJu Smith-Schuster jersey while flanked by the iconic Terrible Towels, made famous by former radio announcer Myron Cope during the NFL playoffs in 1975. The Steelers went on to win Super Bowl X over the Dallas Cowboys.

During his tenure at AFDW, Eastland was instrumental in several mentoring and innovation-driven programs such as the Squadron Commanders and Spouses Course and the organization team-building and leadership initiative, WHYTANK.

Eastland expressed gratitutude to AFDW Airmen and civilians.

"It was a privilege to play a small part in the phenomenal work we've done over the past two years -- responding when needed, delivering honors, and connecting 33,000 Airmen back to the Air Force," Eastland said. "When it comes to teamwork and processes, keep asking 'why?,' take care of each other, and continue building the thinking and learning culture we need to sustain future successes."

Col. Robby Hanovich officially takes the reins as AFDW vice commander Sept. 10.