Perfect as a team: safety chief stresses winter preparation Published Oct. 22, 2013 By Lt. Col. Peter Aguirre 90th Missile Wing chief of safety F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The life experiences we have shape our decisions and the paths we take as we mature as adults. My experiences as a youth football player, college student, reserve officer training corp. cadet and professional military officer have given me a very positive perspective on team work. The common thread among all of these life experiences is that we succeed more frequently as a team. Early on in my professional military development, I coined the phrase "perfect as a team." My intent was to impart a sense of pride in a military unit based on a team ethos. As I matured as a military officer, I found "perfect as a team" applies to all situations in our lives. Be it squadron events, friends gathering for a barbecue on the weekend or Airmen of a squadron celebrating together, taking care of each other and making sound decisions to help one another should always be on the forefront of our minds. Having lived the majority of my career in the northern-tier bases, being perfect as a team certainly applies toward preparing for the upcoming winter season. As the winter months approach, ask yourself how you are preparing. How are you helping each other to ensure you are ready for the Wyoming winter. Challenge yourselves as Airmen of the Mighty Ninety team to prepare for the winter as a team. Ask your squadron if they have winterized their homes and vehicles. Ask if they have the proper personal protective equipment for the winter activities they plan on participating in. Does every Airmen have the proper winter gear to deploy to the missile field? These are just a few questions to ask ourselves as we prepare for the winter. Your squadron's leadership should have regulations or instructions that layout basic requirements for traveling on base and in the missile fields. As far as home and vehicle preparation, the following are very useful links to aide in winterizing or contacting agencies that can help you prepare for the winter season: · http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/winterize-car · http://www.NOAA.gov · http://www.FEMA.gov · http://www.wyoroad.info/ Once you have done all of your preparations, ask a friend, family member or an Airmen from your squadron to take a look at your car or home. Many times we get great ideas on improving safety from friends or family. As the chief of wing safety, I intend for the wing to have a safe and secure winter season. I challenge each member of the Mighty Ninety to plan and prepare for the winter and I have no doubt we will enjoy the holiday season, enhance our mission capability and be perfect as a wing team.