Wild weather reminder to be prepared Published April 1, 2009 By Col. Jay Raymond 21st Space Wing commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- We're off to a great start on the Operational Readiness and Unit Compliance inspections, and I have received positive comments from the inspectors on our professionalism and intense mission focus. Remember this is a month-long marathon, so pace yourselves and keep focused. From what I've seen we're doing a good job. Keep up the great work, I'm proud of all of you. The weather recently has been unpredictable, to say the least, being warm one day with snow and strong winds the next. Thankfully we didn't have any major accidents or injuries involving Peterson personnel, but the storm last week followed by Monday's snow showers emphasize the need to always be prepared for the worst. I want to also thank the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron for doing such a great job plowing our streets Thursday and Friday. Additionally, I would like to thank the 21st Force Support Squadron members for operating the dining hall and the Airmen who opened up the fitness center so those on base could dine and exercise while the base was closed. Great job, and a prime example of how the wing provides unsurpassed installation support. My thanks also goes out to those who braved the weather to hear former Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert Gaylor speak Thursday in the base auditorium. Chief Gaylor was the fifth chief master sergeant of the Air Force. Chief Gaylor served from 1948 to 1979 and is a great leader and hero for many Airmen. He was also a strong believer in leadership. He traveled extensively, talking to Airmen about taking pride in their military careers. He believes one of the most important roles a former chief master sergeant of the Air Force can play are that of a link between the U.S. Air Force of the past and the one of today. Chief Gaylor continues to meet and serve Airmen by conducting more than 40 Air Force base visits each year. His presentation focused on the importance of the Air Force Space Command Year of Leadership initiative, which he said he strongly applauds, adding that it's a year of emphasis, of training, a year of spotlighting and focusing on the role of the leader. We can only be good leaders when we exhibit care and concern for our co-workers and fellow Airmen. The chief asked us all to consider balancing our need for interaction without getting lost in our high-tech, modern environment. Leaders, especially, need to maintain that human connection to be effective. The Chief also addressed the Air Force Sergeants Association awards breakfast Thursday morning at The Club, helping with the presentation of certificates for all the nominees and with presenting the awards to the winners. The association awarded 11 Airmen in the area of leadership, self improvement, and community involvement, including four from Peterson. Those winners are: First Term Airman of the Year - Senior Airman Bartholomew Dietrick, 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron NCO of the Year - Tech. Sgt. Deva Priddy, 21st Medical Support Squadron Volunteer Service Person of the Year - Staff Sgt. Brenda Hyder, Vosler NCO Academy Member of the Year - Staff Sgt. Jon Hyder, Air Force Space Command Good luck to them as they complete at the AFSA division convention May 14 to 17 in Ogden, Utah. Thanks also to Tech. Sgt. Melissa Hargis, 21st MDSS, for her tremendous work orchestrating the event. As a reminder, the 2009 Air Force Assistance Fund is underway. Donating to charities is a personal choice that I encourage everyone to consider. The Air Force Assistance Fund is a great organization that helps Airmen in need, at all stages of their life. The drive continues through April 24. Finally, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter made a visit to Peterson Monday to learn about the economic impact of Peterson, Schriever and Buckley Air Force bases. The governor learned about the missions here and what we do, and is a staunch advocate of the base and Air Force. My thanks go out to him for taking time out of his hectic schedule to visit the base.