A week for celebrating, remembering

Published July 7, 2009
By Col. Jay Raymond
21st Space Wing commander

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Welcome back from a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend! I am pleased to report that the wing has come through this long weekend free of serious injuries and without any DUIs. Between the rain showers and fireworks, I hope everyone was able to take advantage of this opportunity to relax with family and friends as well as reflect on the many freedoms we have as Americans.

As we continue Air Force Space Command's Year of Leadership, July's theme is "Warrior Ethos." We are all warrior Airmen, as reflected in our Airmen's Creed. No matter where you work, remember that each and every one of you is vital to our Wing and the Air Force mission. I appreciate the work and professionalism I see throughout our Wing.

On July 1, I was pleased to celebrate a special day with our Canadian partners. Canada Day celebrates the enactment of the British North America Act, which united Canada as a single country of four provinces. We have 136 Canadian members within Team Pete working side by side with United States servicemembers, civilians and contractors. In fact, in the 21st SW we have 17 Canadian Space Operators working directly with our Airmen here at the headquarters and at many of our GSUs. These warriors are a highly valued component of our Wing and we are thankful for their service.

This week, we were honored to host Chief Master Sgt. James MacKinley, 14th Air Force command chief. He visited with Chief Master Sgt. Tim Omdal, 21st Space Wing command chief, and I along with other base leaders and Airmen on July 8. Chief MacKinley is the senior enlisted leader responsible to Lt. Gen. Larry James, 14th AF commander, for the professional development, military readiness, and mission effectiveness of enlisted personnel assigned to the command.

During Chief MacKinley's visit, he was able to personally witness 21st SW Airmen flawlessly performing their space control and installation support and protection missions. We were able to showcase our major mission areas and successes to him. The chief attended the First Term Airman's Course and visited the Airman Leadership School. He watched a 21st Security Forces Squadron military working dog demonstration and spent time with Airmen in the 21st Medical Group, 721st Mission Support Group, and the 76th and 16th Space Control Squadrons. He was impressed with the professionalism of our enlisted force every step of the way. Thanks to Master Sgt. Richard Hetfield, Staff Sgt. Nichole Piazzo and Mr. Steven Daniels for putting together a flawless visit.

On Tuesday, I met with many of the civic leaders who support the base in many ways, including the events which surround the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Parade. The rodeo shows the commitment between the base and our local community. Thank you to all of the wing's volunteers for their support of the rodeo and the rodeo committee for their support of the military. Gen. C. Robert Kehler, AFSPC commander is this year's grand marshal for the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. I hope you will join us at the rodeo on Friday, July 10 for Air Force Space Command Night.

I'm really looking forward to our Team Pete Dining-Out on July 17. The theme is "Operation Warrior Ethos" in line with the YOL. Dining-Outs are a time honored military tradition and it is important that we continue these traditions and teach them to our younger military members. I would like to thank 1st Lt. Mark Manglicmot, 21st Communications Squadron, who is chairing the organization of this event, and the many officers of the Rocky Mountain Company Grade Officer Council who are volunteering to ensure this is an evening well spent. Tickets are on sale through unit dining out officers. There will be something for everyone and I encourage you to contact your unit representative or first sergeant as soon as possible to secure your spot at this Year of Leadership event.

On 31 July beginning at 5 p.m., the Peterson Air and Space Foundation and the 21st SW will host the "Concert in the Park." This event will feature the U.S. Air Force Academy Stellar Brass Band ensemble, free hot dogs, hamburgers and bottled water. This is a great event and is our way of saying thank you for all the sacrifices each of you make every day. We hope to see all area Airmen, retirees and their families at the Museum Park on July 31. Don't forget to mark your calendars.

And finally, remember safety and use ORM principles as the summer heat turns up, not just off duty in your recreational activities, but during duty hours as well. It is recommended we drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day but here in Colorado, we should increase our water intake due to the drier climate. As always, remember 0-0-1-3 if you do decide to drink alcohol. Simply put, continue to be good wingmen and take care of yourself and each other!