Knights: Charge into inspection Published March 10, 2009 By Col. Jay Raymond 21st Space Wing Commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- There are only eight days until the wing begins its Operational Readiness and Unit Compliance Inspections, and I want to thank all the Knights for your hard work not only preparing for the inspections, but for your hard work and dedication to our mission. I've seen the many great products and improvements, and I appreciate your sacrifice in preparing for these inspections. I want to reiterate to everyone involved: Do your absolute best; maintain your professionalism; and use your resources. One of our wing mission areas is to provide unsurpassed installation support and protection. This support and protection can take many forms, to include security, cyber security, communications, morale, welfare and recreation programs for all of Team Pete, and much more. But that support does not end at the gate; it also extends into the local community. On any given day, the 21st Space Wing stands ready to support through mutual aid agreements with the city and county. Our fire department is the first responder to any aircraft emergency - civilian or military - at the Colorado Springs Airport. If a major fire breaks out, the city or county can call on our resources to aid, so long as we have adequate resources left at Peterson to protect the installation. This was readily apparent last week during the wild fire that broke out on Fort Carson. The 721st Mission Support Group volunteered four firefighters and a brush truck to aid in the firefighting effort. The wing enjoys a healthy connection with the community, and we work hard every day to maintain that great relationship. On March 9, Colorado State Representative Amy Stephens visited our base to learn more about our mission and ongoing initiatives. We discussed how the wing conducts its missions and talked to her about upcoming base initiatives, including privatized housing and base infrastructure upgrades. It was a pleasure to have her visit our base and showcase the many great things we are doing around the world and in the local community. This year marks the 36th annual Air Force Assistance Fund Campaign. This year's theme is "Commitment to Caring," and the four Air Force charities, the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund, Air Force Village Indigent Widows' Fund, and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, provide integral support to members of our Air Force family who are in need. Donating to charities is a personal choice that I encourage everyone to consider. The drive continues through April 24 on Peterson. Finally, the 21st SW held two commander's calls on March 10 as we build up to our upcoming inspections. It was a real honor to have with us the head coach of the Air Force Academy Falcon football team, Coach Troy Calhoun. He rallied the wing with his fantastic motivational comments. Our sincere thanks and appreciation to him for spending the afternoon with us. His support and encouragement truly makes him an honorary 21st Space Wing Knight. I hope you all have a great weekend. Let's keep up the charge as we near the inspection, and show the inspectors exactly how the 21st provides flawless missile warning, space control and unsurpassed installation support.