Sports and Field Day, change of command start summer Published June 24, 2009 By Col. Jay Raymond 21st Space Wing commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Summer is officially upon us, and we are "all in" with Air Force Space Command's Year of Leadership June theme of "fitness". On Thursday, we had a very successful Sports and Field Day. About 1,700 people from 56 units around the base gathered to participate in 25 individual and team sporting competitions from dodge ball and archery to golf and swimming. I was impressed with the sportsmanship and camaraderie that was present throughout the day, as well as the level of professionalism and teamwork by all participants and volunteers. While all of the teams played exceptionally well, several of our units stood out. For the small unit category, the 544th Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group took third place, the 76th Space Control Squadron took second place, and the 21st Contracting Squadron took first place. For the medium unit category, the 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron claimed third place, the 21st Space Wing Director of Staff Agencies took second place, and the 21st Operations Support Squadron clinched first place by a narrow margin. Finally, for the large unit category, our medics of the 21st Medical Group won third place, Team Colorado (SMC) earned second place, and the 21st Force Support Squadron took top honors. Congratulations to the top teams and to everyone who participated in our Sports and Field Day. During the day, I also had the pleasure of recognizing our newest Ring of Fame inductees: 2nd Lt Marc Ward, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Det. 4; and Senior Airman Angela Martell, 21st Dental Squadron, were our top Airmen for outstanding fitness accomplishments. Congratulations Marc and Angela, way to be "Fit to Fight". This successful sports day would have been possible without the leadership of the 21st FSS and support from more than 150 volunteers from various units. Thanks to all of the outstanding volunteers and coordinators who made this such a great event. I'd like to give a special thanks to Ben Beck, Sports and Field Day manager, Warren Latham, assistant Sports and Field Day manager, Judy Davis and Mike Davide, data programmers, Nick Lynch, team brackets organizer, and Scott Justice, our volunteer manager. I'd also like to thank Donna Burrill, 21st FSS commercial sponsorship coordinator, and the 26 sponsors she arranged to help put on the day's event, including the delicious barbeque lunch. In the same spirit of fitness, I'm looking forward to Wing Warfit and the Firefighter Challenge competition on Thursday, 25 June. Chief Omdal and I will be participating in the Firefighter Challenge on one of the five-person teams. It should be a great time. Thanks to Staff Sgt. Donald Wheat and the 21st MDG for organizing our monthly Wing Warfit activities and thanks to Staff Sgt. Brian Burmeister and the entire 21st Civil Engineer Squadron for putting together the Firefighter Challenge. This is a unique opportunity to step into the firefighter's world for some good natured competition and robust exercise. On a different topic, on Tuesday, June 21, I officiated the 21st Operations Group change of command ceremony. I'd like to give a final farewell to Col. Chris Crawford as he makes his way to the Pentagon to be part of the Joint Staff. It is also my pleasure to to welcome Col. Nina Armagno, our new 21st OG commander, and her husband Eddie Papczun back to the wing. As I said during my remarks at the Change of Command, I can't think of an officer better prepared to lead the operational missions of this wing than Colonel Armagno. She comes to us from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, but began her career as a missile warning crew commander, chief of training and chief of evaluation at the 7th Space Warning Squadron. Colonel Armango has also been assigned to the 21st OSS, and 11th Space Warning Squadron. In 2003 she commanded the 6th Space Warning Squadron at Cape Cod before serving as the 21st OG deputy commander. Nina, welcome back to Peterson. I, and the rest of the wing, look forward to having you as part of our team once again. As the YOL month of fitness comes to a close, we look toward the theme for July, Warrior Ethos. I look forward to participating in the activities we have planned for the month and I hope everyone will join me in recognizing that our warrior culture consists of our courage, moral values and an ultimate spirit. Remember, as our Airmen's Creed reflects, we are Airmen, Wingmen, Leaders and Warriors. Our big event for the month is a Team Peterson Dining Out that is scheduled for the July 17th. General Kehler will be our guest speaker. Tickets are currently on sale across the base, and I encourage everyone to buy your tickets early in order to reserve your seat at the event. Finally, with the 4th of July holiday weekend only days away, I encourage all of you who are able to spend some well deserved time off with family and friends and most of all, have a safe weekend. Last week, the 50th Space Wing lost one of its valued Airmen to a car accident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the 50th SW and the Airman's family, friends and co-workers. Please remember to drive carefully and to practice safety especially as we head into the holiday weekend.