Great teamwork keeps Peterson running at top speed Published May 26, 2009 By Col. Jay Raymond 21st Space Wing Commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- I hope you all enjoyed this past four day weekend and have returned from this well-deserved break energized with a renewed since of purpose and determination. The Air Force Academy held its graduation on Wednesday. The Vice President was the keynote speaker at the commencement ceremony and the 21st Space Wing was honored to assist with his arrival and visit. Many wing agencies were involved in making this an error-free stopover. In addition to the Vice President, we were honored to have with us the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. As the second busiest flight line for distinguished visitors in the Air Force, Peterson is no stranger to high-level visits and our professionals are well-versed and trained for these types of visits. However, there is always a bit more planning and support required when visitors of this caliber come to our base. As is always the case, I'm proud to report that our installation support and protection was once again flawless, due to our stellar teamwork and crisp coordination. Specifically, I want to thank our world class protocol team, led by Ken Friesz, for their outstanding efforts. They worked tirelessly with the White House, the Secret Service, and the Department of Defense to ensure these visits went off without a hitch. Our Protocol team once again represented Team Pete with world-class support and unmatched professionalism. Ken, thanks again for all you and your team do for our wing and the base. Our 21st Security Forces Squadron and Office of Special Investigations also played critical roles in the preparation and execution of these visits. These Airmen provided first-rate security for the Vice President, Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff with bomb sweeps, traffic control, and K-9 units. Working with the Secret Service, these warriors were vital to ensure that all of our DVs were safe and protected. Several other wing offices and agencies played an important role in these visits. Thanks to our public affairs office for handling the media interest, the 21st Operations Support Squadron's Base Operations for their flight line support of the distinguished visitors arrivals and departures, and to our 21st Civil Engineering Squadron for keeping the base looking the best in the Air Force. In fact, the 21st SW recently was awarded the Major General M.C "Tim" McFadden Facilities Excellence Recognition Award for 2008, Large Installation Category, thanks to the hard work and efforts of our 21st CES. Finally, I want to thank the City of Colorado Springs and specifically, the Colorado Springs Police Department for their continued support of our base. Our community relations with the city and the CSPD are top-notch. It is great that we have such a great relationship with our local community. Last Monday was Memorial Day. This was a day to remember and pay respect to those countless Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day. As service members, it is critical that we pay gratitude and homage to these heroes. Let's also never forget the sacrifice of our wounded warriors. They too have sacrificed greatly for our nation. As we move into the 101 Days of Summer, which traditionally starts on Memorial Day weekend and ends on Labor Day weekend, it is absolutely imperative that we focus on safety, both on and off duty. This period of time is typically when the Air Force has more safety related accidents and mishaps. As Airmen essential to our mission success, we cannot afford to lose even one of you. Remember to use your Wingman and to incorporate proper Operational Risk Management into your daily activities. It's great to get out and enjoy the summer, but be sure to do it responsibly.