Memorial Day weekend time to honor fallen servicemembers

Published May 19, 2009
By Col. Jay Raymond
21st Space Wing commander

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Chief Omdal and I recently returned from a visit to the DoD's northernmost military facility, Thule Air Base. This was a great visit and we were both impressed by the level of dedication and commitment those Airmen demonstrate every day in that harsh environment. Living and working 400 miles inside the Arctic Circle is not easy, but the Airmen of the 821st Air Base Group and 12th Space Warning Squadron always continue to excel.

While we were at Thule, I had the privilege to recognize all seven of their master sergeant selects, including Tech. Sgt. Steven Byer - 821st SFS; Tech. Sgt. Jaime Galan - 821st ABG; Tech. Sgt. Shannon Herring - 22nd SOPS, Det. 3; Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Macal - 12th SWS; Tech. Sgt. Josef Rodriguez - 821st SPTS; Tech. Sgt. Charles Slone - 821st SPTS; and Tech. Sgt. Omar Zermeno-Rubio - 821st SPTS.

I also handed out the award for the 21st Space Wing Noncommissioned Officer of the 2nd Quarter to Tech. Sgt. Gary Hutcheson, 821st Support Squadron, and recognized the 821st ABG and 12th SWS professional performers and teams from our recent operational readiness and compliance inspections. Congratulations to all of these outstanding professionals, keep up the great work.

Accompanying us to the "Top of the World" was the United States Air Force Academy Band "Wild Blue Country." The members of Wild Blue Country, Master Sgt. Jerome Oddo (NCOIC), Master Sgt. Mike Riley, Tech. Sgt. Julie Bradley, Tech. Sgt. Stephen Brannen, Tech. Sgt. Tim Stombaugh and Tech. Sgt. Jeff Valentine are all tremendously talented, and we are extremely lucky to host them here on Peterson AFB.

These stellar musicians are always a huge hit here at home, and they brought a piece of home to Thule AB. The band put on a fantastic and energetic show for our Airmen and received rave reviews from our Airmen assigned at the remote base. A very special thanks to Wild Blue Country for all they do for our wing and for the morale of our Airmen.

Tuesday I spoke to a group of eighth grade students at Fountain Middle School. They were very attentive and asked great questions about space and the careers in space related fields. It was reassuring to see tomorrow's leaders take an interest in space, and I was grateful to be able to share my experiences with them.

We are getting ready for a long and well-deserved weekend. Friday is designated as an AFSPC family day and Monday is Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember our fallen brothers in arms. On this Memorial Day, as we remember our fallen warriors, let us reflect that liberty has a cost, and that freedom is not free. We all should pay tribute to our military men and women who have given their lives for our country. We hold them and their families in our hearts and prayers on Memorial Day and every day.

Today we hold our Community College of the Air Force graduation. The graduation speaker is our very our Staff Sgt. Jason Casebolt, 21st Civil Engineering Squadron facilities manager. This event is the culmination of months of study and classroom education and recognizes enlisted members of Peterson AFB, Cheyenne Mountain AFS, and Schriever AFB who have completed the requirements for an Associate of Applied Science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. This year, we have 256 individuals being conferred with degrees varying from criminal justice to music.

Since issuing its first degree in 1977, the college has awarded more than 290,000 associate in applied science degrees. The CCAF degree and certification programs enhance mission readiness, contribute to recruiting, assist in retention, and supports the career transitions of Air Force enlisted members. Congratulations to all of these Airmen who have taken this all important step in furthering their educational goals. Well done.

Finally, as we head into this long weekend, we are also moving into the 101 Critical Days of Summer. Be sure to use good judgment and sound operational risk management. Each and every Airman is absolutely vital to the continued success of our mission. If even one Airman is hurt or injured, our ability to perform our mission will be hampered.

Remember our Wingman concept. We are all Airmen, whether civilian or military, and it is our duty to take care of and support each other. Use your wingman and have a good, well thought out plan before you go out.