6th SWS the epitome of a crisp organization Published Jan. 22, 2008 By Col. Jay Raymond 21st Space Wing commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- On Jan. 16, your command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Omdal and I visited the 6th Space Warning Squadron at Cape Cod Air Force Station, Mass. Accompanying us on our visit was another outstanding Airman from the 21st Space Wing, Airman 1st Class Jacob Close. Airman Close, who works in the 21st Operations Support Squadron's Intelligence Flight as a missile warning analyst, was recently selected for senior airman "below the zone." I know he was very appreciative of the opportunity to get a first-hand look at one of the missile warning squadrons he supports. The visit to Cape Cod, my fourth visit to one of the 21st SW's missile warning sites, was extremely successful. This was no surprise to me as the 6th SWS is routinely recognized as one of the finest squadrons in Air Force Space Command. In fact, just a couple of months ago, they aced the 14th Air Force standardization and evaluation team inspection, garnering an 'outstanding' rating. After the inspection, the 14th AF chief of standardization and evaluation wrote, "if all units were this well prepared we could stop doing operations inspections completely." The best part of these site visits is getting to meet the quality Airmen assigned to this wing. Capt Heather Swanson, 6th SWS operations support flight commander, was the squadron lead for our visit and did a magnificent job. We also met Staff Sgt. Christopher Harrell from the 6th SWS security flight. This NCO was the heat. He was firmly in control of the security of the squadron, gave an exceptional post briefing, recited the Airman's Creed and is the model of physical fitness for the unit. Before leaving the squadron, I hosted a commander's call to articulate the accomplishments of last year and the roadmap for the year ahead. During the commander's call, I had the privilege of presenting Master Sgt. Wendell Craven, 6th SWS chief of civil engineering, with the 21st Space Wing Senior NCO of the Quarter plaque. After meeting Sergeant Craven, it's clear why he took home the honor ... evidence of his outstanding work was all around. From the $475,000 in security project upgrades he assisted with to the $1.9 million in civil engineer projects he led, his contributions and impact to the unit will be felt for years to come. Finally, one of the things that stood out during our visit was the impeccable appearance and uncompromising military bearing of the members from 6th SWS. You could just sense from being in the presence of such professionals that this was an extremely crisp organization. I know their squadron commander, Lt. Col. Chris Gentry, is very proud of them ... as am Chief Omdal and I. Once again, my thanks to the unit for putting together such an outstanding site visit. Another highlight of the past week was the recognition ceremony dinner held for newly-selected chief master sergeants. Sponsored by the Colorado Springs Area Chiefs Group, this ceremony included three senior master sergeants from the 21st SW as event honorees: Tony Nussbaum, Bryan Rainey and Thomas Trottier. With their promotions, they join the ranks of the top one percent of the enlisted force. My congratulations to each of them -- we're extremely proud of the work they have done in earning a promotion to the highest enlisted rank. Before closing this week's commentary, I hope everyone took time over the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend to reflect on the life of Dr. King and the principles in which he ultimately gave his life for. Among those principles was his unshakable belief in freedom, liberty, the dignity of every life and the rights of every individual. I also want to highlight Staff Sgt. Sabrina Lukas and Ms. Wynona James for leading the effort in putting together the Martin Luther King commemorative service held Jan. 17. It was a great event honoring the life of Dr. King. On Jan. 25, we head for SnoFest ... see you on the slopes!