U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Sage (far left), 4th Fighter Wing commander, and Maj. Gen. Scott Zobrist, 9th Air Force commander, speak with contractors during a base visit at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Feb. 15, 2017. Zobrist said contract employees are vital to helping the Air Force mission run smoothly. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenneth Boyton)