60th AMW hosts commander's call

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Candy Knight
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 60th Air Mobility Wing commander held four base-wide commander's call Aug. 6 to discuss upcoming base events and issues of concerns.

During the event, Col. Steve Arquiette spoke about the base's mission, people, family, community and people. He also thanked Team Travis for all their hard-work.

"We're doing great," the colonel said. "And that's evident from the 17 trophies we brought home from [2007 Air Mobility Command's Expeditionary] Rodeo."

Colonel Arquiette added that with the higher operations tempo that is expected in later months, Team Travis needs to keep up the hard-work.

"We are making a difference and what we do matters," he said.

Among the many issues Colonel Arquiette spoke about was AFSO 21 and the new enlisted performance and officer performance reports, which features a separate block for evaluating physical fitness.

"Physical fitness has always been important and should be taken seriously."

He added that he was very proud of the base's Fit Camp program and how it has helped many people pass the fitness test.

One of the most important subjects the colonel addressed was the high-number of DUI-related incidents that occurred during the month of July.

"I saw the most DUI-related incidents (7) in the month of July than I've seen in the 16 months I've been commander."

He then told the story about an air traffic controller Airman who was arrested for under-aged drinking and the dire consequences that followed.

"This Airman didn't have a plan and because of that, not only does he ruin his military career, but also what could have been a promising civilian career as an ATC where he would have been making at least $90,000 a year."

The colonel stressed that all Airmen, their families and friends need to have a plan before heading out and encouraged them to use the available resources such as Airmen Against Drunk Driving to avoid getting into a similar situation.

"The bottom line is have a well-thought out plan and stick to it," he said.
He ended by encouraging NCOs, senior NCOs and officers to help the younger Airmen and prepare them for the future.

"You are leaders and there are certain expectations that goes along with that."