Warrior Ethos - Warrior culture truly is our culture Published July 21, 2009 By Col. Jay Raymond 21st Space Wing commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- PCS season is in full swing, and if you are not PCSing, odds are that you know someone who is. This is a fact of life in the military, and as we see those new faces, make sure to welcome them to the Peterson team. Some of those new faces include Lt. Col. John Silverman, the 21st Force Support Squadron commander, Lt. Col. Arno Bischoff, the Civil Engineer Squadron commander and Maj. Jason Corrothers, the 21st Comptroller Squadron commander. Welcome gentlemen, we're glad you're part of the Wing. As new personnel arrive, they will quickly realize how busy the wing is, as well as the terrific things we do as part of our mission providing unsurpassed installation support. Friday in particular was quite busy as we hosted a Wounded Warriors lunch, Wounded Warrior panel and of course the Operation Warrior Ethos dining out that evening - all terrific events in support of July's Year of Leadership activities. Today, warrior ethos is being emphasized at all levels of our Air Force, and these events were perfect ways to convey that point. The Warrior Ethos panel members were Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro, who was injured by an IED while serving in Afghanistan, and Staff Sgt. Rory Sturm, 721st Security Forces Squadron, whose HMMWV struck an IED in Iraq. These two Airmen are outstanding examples of Warrior Ethos and I sincerely thank them for sharing their stories. They are true warriors, shining examples of what Airmen do each and every day in service to our great country. During the day the two had lunch at The Club where our Airmen had a chance to meet with these warrior Airmen. Following lunch the pair addressed a full house at the auditorium, where they shared their stories. That evening they were honored at the dining out, which featured formal trappings and combat-themed elements. We were very grateful to have General and Mrs. Kehler join us for the dining out. General Kehler was our guest speaker. He emphasized warrior ethos as a central character trait for a military leader. My thanks go out to all involved in making these events a success, particularly 1st Lt. Mark Manglicmot, 21st Communications Squadron, many members of the Rocky Mountain Company Grade Officer Council and Senior Master Sgt. Mark Bronson, 21st Medical Operations Squadron, who were instrumental in organizing the events. The day of the event, the Club staff and about 50 volunteers from the Company Grade Officer Council and 21st Mission Support Group worked together to put the finishing touches on remaining aspects of the dining out. Thanks also to the 21st Force Support Squadron, 21st Security Forces Squadron and 21st Civil Engineer Squadron for providing the warrior-themed props. The dining out would have been incomplete without them. Well done to you all. As we talk about warrior ethos and its meaning, let's not forget the nearly 34,000 Airmen deployed to contingencies around the globe including 4,100 for Joint Expeditionary Taskings at 63 warfighting locations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. There are currently 340 Airmen deployed from Peterson. Keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers, and anticipate their safe return. Last Thursday, the Vosler NCO Academy held its graduation ceremony and two Team Pete members were recognized. Tech. Sgt. Laura Bardill, U.S. Air Force Academy Band, won the John L. Levitow Award as the top graduate, and Tech. Sgt. Brandon Alvey, 721st Communication Squadron, was named distinguished graduate - congratulations to you both. Finally a special thank you to the El Paso County Fair held in Calhan, Colo. The fair held its first military appreciation day Saturday, where servicemembers received free admission. There were concerts, a stock show, rodeo, auto races, rides and more in a terrific family-oriented atmosphere. That the fair recognized servicemembers' contributions is another fine example of the strong relationship we enjoy in the region.