Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence Published Oct. 7, 2009 By Col. Greg Tims 90th Missile Wing commander F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- One of my favorite quotes is by Calvin Coolidge, "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." We have a wing full of Airmen who have the guts and courage to have the persistence and determination to never quit and continue to press ahead until their portion of this strategic deterrent machine is done correctly each and every time. I had another week to meet these types of warriors. I got to spend a few hours with our base civil engineer squadron -- what a great team they have assembled. I met with the environmental management control system shop where Debbie Followell, 90th Civil Engineer Squadron, briefed me on ways she and her folks can monitor mechanical systems around base and in the missile field. The system is highly technical and will cut our energy costs. Next stop was the explosive ordnance disposal flight. Master Sgt. Kelly Cunningham and Staff Sgt. Matthew Schwartz, both from the 90th CES, briefed me on the scope of their responsibilities, from the nuclear assets they work with here at Warren to the improvised explosive devices they encounter while deployed. Our EOD shop is second to none. I got the chance to meet with Paolo Ornalez, 90th CES, and his team at our heat plant. This is an old building, but when you go inside, I guarantee you it is maintained with pride. They ensure that more than 100 buildings around base are kept heated. Finally, I always wondered what that building was off to the left when you enter the base with Gate 2. So, I stopped in and met with Greg Westerfield and Tech. Sgt. Shane Long, of the 90th CES' power production shop. Here, they took me through the depot maintenance mission they perform for the backup generators used in the missile fields both at Warren and Minot Air Force Base, N.D. I was not aware that we performed this service for Minot. These backup generators are key to the survivability of our weapons system. As you all know, the 50th Anniversary of the ICBM takes place next week. It's hard to believe that nuclear deterrence, after 50 years of service, remains the ultimate backstop of our nation's strategic defense. But I know that every one of you does your jobs, every day, to the highest of standards. That hard work does not go unnoticed. The other day, I was driving around the Carlin Heights area and saw another outstanding yard. Thank you, Tech. Sgt. Andrew Kenton, 153rd Command and Control Squadron, for your superb persistence in the upkeep of your yard. What a great job by Capt. Brent Gallant, 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron, who hosted Col. Tim Ray, Air Force Global Strike Command A3; and Capt. Mike 'Baby' Foster, 90th Operations Support Squadron, who hosted Brig. Gen. Joe Brown, U.S. Strategic Command J3N. We had an opportunity to share our mission with these two to help shape our future. Well done Brent and Mike. The next time you see Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Weaver, 90th CES, congratulate him. Jonathan just came back here from winning the U.S. Armed Forces 2009 Championship in softball. What an achievement! Last week, I received a certificate of special recognition from Veterans of Foreign Wars for the work our people do in the community. I have never seen this in all of my years in the Air Force. What a privilege and honor to accept this on behalf of the wing. In a way, they reinforced what I already knew -- our Airmen get it. Our Airmen know it takes persistence and determination to get the mission accomplished as well as the importance of serving the local community. Don't forget that the fire department's open house starts tomorrow, kicking off national Fire Prevention Week. Bring the children by and get your picture with Sparky. And while you are there, be sure to thank all of our fire department team for keeping us safe. I'd like to close by saying thank you to Rex Ellis, Warren Treaty Compliance chief, and his assistant Marty Whalen. Talk about two of our key civilians who have perfected their trade through persistence and determination. Thousands of things could go wrong during a Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty reentry vehicle on-site inspection, but nothing ever has under their watch. Last week, we had an article featuring the close of the START 1 by the hosting the last RVOSI here. Great job Rex and Marty. We thank you. Go forth and conquer.