El Paso County commissioners visit Peterson

El Paso County commissioner visit

Col. Jay Raymond, 21st Space Wing commander, explains the 21st SW’s global mission to the El Paso County commissioners June 17. With geographically separated units around the world, the 21st SW provides flawless missile warning and space control operations to defend America and its allies. (U.S. Air Force photo/Larry Hulst)

El Paso County commissioner visit

Col. Jay Raymond, 21st Space Wing commander, greets Dennis Hisey, Jeff Greene and Amy Lathen outside Building 350. Mr. Hisey and Mrs. Lathen are El Paso County commissioners, and Greene is the El Paso County administrator. The three were at the base June 17 for both a wing mission and BluePrint-2050 briefing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Larry Hulst)

Published June 19, 2008
By Corey Dahl
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Two El Paso County commissioners visited Peterson June 17 to learn more about the base and its missions.

Amy Lathen, commissioner for District 2, and Dennis Hisey, commissioner from District 4, spent the morning receiving briefings on the 21st Space Wing and its missions. Later, both commissioners were treated to a tour of the base. They also learned about important local projects affecting Peterson, such as upcoming traffic improvements on Powers Boulevard and the base's growth plans.

Though they have visited Peterson before, both commissioners said they were thoroughly impressed by the improvements that have been made here and the base's plans for the future.

"I was struck by the professionalism and the forward thinking," Ms. Lathen said. "Just everything you're doing here."

Both Ms. Lathen and Mr. Hisey said it's important for the county to preserve a strong working relationship with Peterson because many county and base issues cross paths. Several units on base, such as the fire department and the explosives ordinance disposal team, also support county and city services when they need help.

"Peterson supports so many of our services around the county," Mr. Hisey said. "It's not just what's inside the fence here. Without them, we'd lose a lot of support, so our relationship is critical."

Both commissioners said they look forward to working with Peterson for years to come and expressed gratitude for the contributions local Airmen make to the community.

"I'm so proud to have Peterson Air Force Base in this community," Ms. Lathen said. "This area is such a great place to live, and you guys help make it that way."