Clambakes and milkshakes Published May 24, 2010 By Col. Nina Armagno 21st Operations Group commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- There's nothing like summer at the 6th Space Warning Squadron on Cape Cod! The beaches are open, barbecue grills are hot, ice cream stands are packed, and AAA baseball is in full swing. Mountain bikes and day hikes....ahhhh, summertime finally hits the Rocky Mountains. Skiing and winter sports are replaced with hiking, biking, camping, and white water rafting. Wherever you are assigned, immerse yourself into local communities and local culture. Take advantage of the unique aspects in the local town, city, or region of the world. We are fortunate to live in a vast, diverse country. We are privileged to serve our nation and our allies during a time when military service is one of the most respected of professions. In the course of history, that reception hasn't always been so warm. So take advantage of the warm welcome: get out and get involved in your communities. The men and women of the 21st Operations Group live in communities at 16 locations in five countries around the globe. They live in town and shop at local groceries, they volunteer for Boy Scouts, they compete in local running races, they join local churches, and their children attend the schools. They are part of the fabric of the society they serve...and they are looking forward to a great community summer. In Clear, Alaska, the salmon are running and the mosquitoes are coming alive - they are so big that small animals are ever watchful they don't get picked up and carried away. It's mud season in Thule, Greenland, and the sun is shining 24/7. It's warm enough now for the more adventurous Airmen to go "Thule Trippin'" - exploring old Nike missile sites and climbing local mountains and glaciers. Surfing is always in season on Maui, Hawaii, but there's so much more culture to experience. Paddle boarding, climbing waterfalls, and taking in a luau - it's easy to find something new to do on the island. At Cavalier, N.D., the moose is always loose. Summer brings a much-needed thaw, fresh crops are growing, and fields are green as far as the eye can see. But one tradition that no one may ever really understand: the smothered burrito. What do they smother it with? Are you ready for this? It's gravy. In New Mexico, they love their green chili so much, it's on everything. There are festivals across the state to honor the roasting of green chili peppers. The good stuff is even a topping at Subway. In Moron, Spain, there's an annual fair called "Feria" where ladies dress in traditional, flamenco dance dresses and the men are in short waistcoats. The fairgrounds are lined with row after row of private festival tents. If you're lucky, your local friends will invite you in to experience traditional dancing, foods and drinks. In England, the unit is near York in the town of Whitby on the North Sea. There, fish and chips are "England's best" and falconry and cricket are the local sport. "Goth weekend" happens twice per year, and you grow as hearty as the locals to endure the stiff Atlantic winds. Wherever you live, whatever your duty location, become part of the community. Immerse yourself. Become a local sports fan, attend a local house of worship, join the local running club, see the history, and enjoy the art. Have fun and be safe. Get to know, benefit, and respect the communities whose freedoms we Airmen ultimately protect. And for our brothers and sisters in harm's way this summer, serving our country away from their homes and communities, let's think of them often and hope for their safe return so that they can once again enjoy the bounty of this great nation.