Wing HQ unveils historical leadership board

Published Aug. 21, 2012
By Lea Johnson
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- In honor of the heritage of Peterson Air Force Base, a historical leadership board was recently unveiled in the 21st Space Wing Headquarters, Building 845.

The board features past commanders and command chiefs from the 1st Space and 3rd Space Support Wings.

The faces of the distinguished guests in attendance were easy to match with photos from the board.

Previous leadership from those wings and the 21st SW in attendance included: Maj. Gen. John Raymond, U.S. Strategic Command director of plans and policies, Retired Maj. Gen. Ralph Spraker, Retired Maj. Gen. Wesley Clark, Retired Brig. Gen. Ron Gray, Retired Cols. Eugene Cullinane and James Palmer, Retired Chief Master Sgts. Thomas Greenwood, Edward Weaver and Paul Andrews.

Air Force Space Command activated Sept. 1, 1982. As a result of the Air Force's growing space mission, the 1st SW activated Jan. 1, 1983, to support the need for space operators. Peterson AFB became the hub of the Air Force's space activity.

On Oct. 15, 1986, the 1st SW transferred host unit responsibility to the newly activated 3rd SSW. The 3rd SSW activated to take care of the communication, civil engineering and security forces needs.

Finally, on May 15, 1992, the 1st SW and 3rd SSW inactivated and transferred personnel and property to the newly activated 21st SW.

Together, Crawford and Raymond unveiled the board in front of the crowd of previous commanders and command chiefs. A lunch was served after the ceremony in The Club.

During his remarks at the ceremony, Col. Chris Crawford, 21st SW commander, said he couldn't think of a better time than the wing's 20th anniversary to acknowledge the heritage of the 1st SW and 3rd SSW.

At the luncheon, Crawford noted that in an ever-changing world, it's important that we understand and remember our heritage. The historical leadership board reminds where we came from, and of the many accomplishments of past leadership. That perspective is vital for all of us as we move the 21st Space Wing forward and find innovative ways to dominate our own personal high ground.