12 AF commander visits Holloman Published March 18, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Rachel Kocin 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The 12th Air Force commander recently made his second visit to Holloman since the 49th Fighter Wing changed hands in January. During his visit, Lt. Gen. Norman Seip had breakfast at Shifting Sands Dining Facility with Airmen from the Airmen's Council, met with the new command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Cui; and had the distinct honor of presenting a Purple Heart to Tech. Sgt, Pablo Quiros, from the 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "It was certainly an honor to present him with that award," General Seip said. "He is a hero among many heroes here at Holloman Air Force Base." The general also touched on Holloman's transition to the F-22A and the heritage of the F-117A. "The legacy will be not just of the airplane but of the men and women who flew, sustained and supported it over the years," he said. He said it will be a proud legacy, a legacy that will stand the test of time from its first use in Operation Just Cause and its important role in the first Gulf War, to the deterrent that it was because of its stealth qualities and the people that were flying it. During his visit, the general met with Airmen from security forces, logistics and the materiel maintenance group to get up close and personal with their missions; while there he recognized some outstanding Airmen with his 12th AF commander's coin. The general would like the Airmen here to know the work they do doesn't go unnoticed. "What you all do allows our Air Force to be the most respected and most lethal Air Force in the world today," he said. "It is always a pleasure visiting Holloman. It's an honor to be able to call the 49th Fighter Wing a part of the 12th Air Force, and certainly an honor for me to serve among side the great Airmen, those Airmen being officer, enlisted and civilians, that are part of Team Holloman."