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Lieutenant General Loyd S. "Chip" Utterback is a decorated combat pilot who flew missions in Iraq and Kuwait. Throughout a 33-year Air Force career that included seven USAF and NATO commands, he was recognized for an organizational leadership style that inspired trust and built confidence. He led airmen into combat; oversaw technical, national and international defense; developed innovative solutions to complex problems; mapped strategy; conducted training and impacted our nation's security. He has served all over the world and in every mission, he has made a difference. Now, he has answered a new call - one that will give him an opportunity to serve in a new way - "to give back to the fine officers, spouses and families who have served our nation," he says. In January, 2011, Lt Gen Utterback became President/CEO of Air Force Village, succeeding Maj Gen Gary Alkire. Lt Gen Utterback wasn't looking for a full-time position, but a series of events led him to Air Force Village and, he said, "One hour after I got here, I was hooked - from the smiles on the residents' and employees' faces, to the magnificent work at Freedom House, to the vision that led to Building on Success." He had heard about Air Force Village throughout his career, "but to see the team effort that has built AFV and to understand its clearly defined mission, relevance, sound infrastructure, the pride of residents in living here, and how the board has kept its vision alive during tough economic times ... I knew I wanted to be a part of this organization," he said. "Air Force Village is vibrant and financially viable and here to serve future generations." Modestly referring to himself as "an old Aggie fighter pilot," he breezes past a phenomenal biography and notes that his proudest achievement "is that my wife Sandy, with a little help from me, reared two fine young men who are great fathers and professional men. I am all about family. My priorities are my God, my family and my country." Lt Gen Utterback says he is an Air Force "brat" who has lived on a base, worn a uniform or carried an ID card his entire life. Service is his guidepost and he has found deep satisfaction in serving his country. Now he feels privileged to serve the generation that preserved the freedoms we embrace ... freedoms for which he, too, has gone to battle. Under his leadership, the AFV family is excited to watch the future unfold. |
