Integrity, Service, Excellence Published Aug. 11, 2006 By Col. Steve Arquiette 60th AMW commander TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- As proud members of the United States Air Force, we've learned to appreciate the powerfully positive culture that surrounds us as we live our lives by the three Air Force core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do. The fact that the great majority of Team Travis members completely embrace our core value explains why the Congresswoman Tauscher and all of the other Distinguished Visitors and community partners who attended the C-17 "Spirit of Solano" arrival ceremony on Tuesday were absolutely awe-struck with the pride, passion and professionalism that shined in every corner of our base! Thanks to all of you that helped make this event such a huge success! As you may know, truly living by our Air Force core values on a daily basis can be a challenge for some of our fellow Airmen. Integrity First can be easily summed into "Always doing the right thing." Often the first indicator of who is and who is not "doing the right thing" can be recognized by a person's appearance. Adherence to our uniform standards can make or break a first impression, and while most of Team Travis' members are meeting and exceeding these standards every day, others are not. During the 97th Air Force Uniform Board early this year, several major changes were made. From restrictions on how women are allowed to wear their hair to the use of cell phones in uniform, we are expected to know these changes and adapt accordingly. By looking sharp in uniform, you represent yourself and the Air Force in the best light possible, while setting the example for those around you. Now that these changes are official, I encourage you to learn more about the details of the most recent uniform board by going to www.af. mil./news/story.asp?storyID=123023298. We can't "do the right thing" or enforce "the right thing" if you don't know what "the right thing" is. In an effort to return to our heritage, there were two major changes to the enlisted uniforms released this month. On Jan. 1, 2007, the enlisted corps will begin wearing the U.S. insignia with circle on their service dress uniform. Also, starting Oct. 1, 2006, senior non-commissioned officers will no longer be authorized to wear shoulder board rank on their blues uniform. Please educate your enlisted corps of these changes soon to allow time to adjust. It is not enough, though, to only make sure you are meeting the standards. I expect everyone to know their regulations and the opposite gender's standards and hold others accountable. Many times those who are out of regulation don't even know there is a problem. Don't be afraid to tactfully approach others, no matter what rank they are, and correct any errors. We want to make sure we look the sharpest we possibly can and it takes all of us, from the highest ranking officer to the lowest ranking airman, to ensure that happens. It's great to see so many of you taking the improvement of your physical fitness seriously. Every day, the gym is full and the sidewalks and running track are filled with runners, many in the new physical training uniform. You should be aware that the mandatory wear date for the PT uniform during formal squadron workout sessions is Oct. 1 of this year. Before wearing the PT uniform, look over the regulations and treat it as you would any other uniform. If you have not purchased your PT uniform, don't wait until the last minute--go to clothing sales and buy your uniform as soon as possible. The Airmen of Team Travis continue to make me proud. Please continue to hold yourself and others accountable and we will all be better for it. BE PROUD! BE SAFE!