A Message from the CSAF

by General Mark A. Welsh III

Texas Trip 2010: Abandoned ranch

Fellow Airmen,

This year, I reached out to you to recommend books for the CSAF Reading List and your response was amazing!  Over the 10 days in which we accepted recommendations, we heard from over 1,700 of you – all passionately advocating for books and movies that have affected your lives and the way you serve.

The books and movies you recommended could fill a library…and fill it well with amazing fictional, historical, and biographical works, along with fascinating ideas about personal and organizational values, growth, and success.  

Ultimately, each selection for 2015 tells an important story about the Profession of Arms or our Air Force Core Values.  It was tough for Chief Cody and I to pick just a few, but we hope you’ll find inspiration and value in our recommended list.

Thanks for all you do…and enjoy!

Mark A. Welsh III
General, USAF
Chief of Staff

Gen Mark A. Welsh III

About General Mark A. Welsh III

Gen. Mark A. Welsh III is Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. As Chief, he serves as the senior uniformed Air Force officer responsible for the organization, training and equipping of 690,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the general and other service chiefs function as military advisers to the Secretary of Defense, National Security Council and the President. General Welsh was born in San Antonio, Texas. He entered the Air Force in June 1976 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has been assigned to numerous operational, command and staff positions. Prior to his current position, he was Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe.