Keep up the good work

  • Published
  • By Col. Steve Arquiette
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The year is halfway through and, for me, it seems like it has only just begun. During the past six months we held a world-class annual awards banquet, assisted in the first Air Force Week-Sacramento, deployed thousands of our Airmen overseas, held change-of-command ceremonies for many of the squadrons on base and celebrated numerous promotions and award winners. In addition, we had many Lean process successes under our Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century program, our 60th Medical Group was presented Resolution 122 by Senator Jeff Denham and we hosted two very successful Quarterly Deployed Spouses Dinners. 

The second part of 2007 will be just as busy. In just a couple weeks we will officially welcome our new vice wing commander, Col. G.I. Tuck, whom you may have already seen around base filling in for me during my absence. In September, we will have two big events: the culmination of our year-long celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Air Force and an OPLAN 8044 Operational Readiness Inspection. As always we will continue to be fully engaged in the War on Terrorism, pursue even more AFSO 21 successes and embed our new safety program, Voluntary Protection Program, into our everyday processes. 

While it is good that we are not doing worse than we were last year as far as 25 DUI instances go, we are not doing any better. During the upcoming weeks of 101 Critical Days of Summer make sure to ask yourself what is more important: having that drink even though you haven't made arrangements to get home, or making sure you and your wingmen are home alive and safe while also not putting other people in danger on the roads. Overall, we have done well during the beginning of 101 Critical Days -- keep up the good work, watch out for your wingman and always take the proper safety precautions before engaging in an activity. 

This base has had a very successful 2007 so far. I am very proud of what I have witnessed while Airmen are contributing to our crucial mission every single day. If we all stay focused and motivated I have no doubt that we will round out the year on top! My month-long course at the Elliott School of International Affairs wraps up today and I look forward to rejoining our excellent team next week! 

BE PROUD! BE SAFE!