All call focuses on individuals

Published Aug. 30, 2016
By Dave Smith, 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Like many of 21st Space Wing Commander Col. Doug Schiess’s commander’s calls, the latest focused on efforts of Airmen and how the people of the wing continue rising to the occasion, no matter the challenge facing them.

Schiess recognized efforts related to high profile situations including the crash of a Thunderbirds F-16 Falcon, the catastrophic hail storm that hit Colorado Springs, and the coming retirement of Chief Master Sgt. Idalia Peele, 21st Space Wing command chief, in his quarterly commander’s call.

Schiess gave recognition to everyone who worked on all aspects of the Thunderbird crash following the United States Air Force Academy graduation June 2.

“You hit it out of the park,” Schiess said. “What an incredible effort.”

The Commander also acknowledged efforts to restore Peterson following the July 28 hail storm that ravaged the Colorado Springs area. In spite of the damage done trees, roofs, windows and vehicles, the wing took the challenge head on. Schiess applauded Team Pete’s work in bringing the base back into working order and looking good.

“Next week we get the honor of retiring Chief Peele after 29-plus years,” said Schiess. “That’s 29 years of being loyal to you, the United States Air Force and to our core values.”

Peele reflected upon her time in the Air Force and two years serving the 21st Space Wing. Her work with Team Pete began with many changes taking place in the Air Force, changes she and the Airmen in the wing experienced together.

“You keep going to retirement ceremonies and you never think it will be yours,” Peele said. “I hope that I have kept you informed. We’ve gone through all of these changes together.”

During her three decades of service, Peele said the Air Force has given her a good life. Even through the ups and downs, the Air Force provided her with opportunity, such as an education and family.

She said there was a time early in her career after she was signed out of McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, as it was known at the time and waiting to go to her next assignment in South Korea when the impact of having an Air Force family really became evident.

Peele’s son became seriously ill and her orders for reporting to her new base were delayed so she could be there for him. Her former base leadership at McGuire made her place of duty her sister’s address for 45 days while she handled her family needs.

“They still took care of me when I was not (officially) part of the base,” Peele said. “That’s family.”

She encouraged all Airmen to make a habit of living out the Air Force core values on a daily basis.

“Our strength is in our core values,” said Peele. “You can memorize them all you want, but you have to apply them. People are looking (at your example) all of the time.”

There is no substitute for personal interaction, Peele said. Putting service before self and adding value to others is something that needs to be taken seriously.

“Every day you can make an impact on someone,” she said. “You may make a change in their life. We are family.”

Peele counts it an honor to have served the 21st Space Wing as command chief.

“Knights, you area all amazing,” she said.

The event was Peele’s last commander’s call as the wing’s highest ranking enlisted member.