Warren members stewards of stability

  • Published
  • By Col. Greg Tims
  • 90th Missile Wing commander
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WYO. --  "The World is not dangerous because of those who do harm, but because of those who look at it without doing anything."

I find this quote very interesting. It is intriguing when the author recognizes evil is alive and well out there. I also find the quote, in a sense, yearning for those to make a stand when they do recognize there are injustices. One thing you can count on here in the 90th Missile Wing, is the fact we are trained to be ready to fight anytime and anywhere when called upon. Additionally, we are the stewards of a weapon system that provides stability for the citizens of this nation as well as our allies. This quote was written before most of us were born; however, there is a sentiment of a warning to it that still remains true today. So wrote Albert Einstein.

Last Thursday, I saw an opening on my schedule and took off, out the back door, to go exploring. At the first stop on my journey, I found myself in the 90th Operations Group facility manager and chef pre-departure briefing. I really enjoyed their very focused and to-the-point briefing. Staff Sgt. Kevin Dawson, 319th Missile Squadron chef NCO in-charge, gave the briefing and ensured all the FMs and chefs sitting in the audience were ready to head out to the missile field and successfully conduct their mission.

On a side note, every time I go to visit a missile alert facility, the place looks great. Now you might counter and say of course it looks great because they know you are coming. This just isn't the case. Most of the time when I go out to the field it is done in a "no-notice" environment. I like seeing people do their actual work.

Every time I go out to the field, the Airmen I encounter at the MAFs epitomize our vision: Ready to fight, anytime, anywhere.

Next, I swung by the kennels and got a chance to speak to Tech. Sgt. Cleophus Gallon, 90th Security Forces Squadron kennel master, and Staff Sgt. Derek Copeland, 90th SFS military working dog trainer. Our six military working dogs provide us with such a great service. I hate to pick favorites because I don't want the other five to feel bad, but Ben has caught the eye of Julie and me. In fact, I keep a "trading card" of Ben on my shelf in the office. I could not be more proud of our dog handlers and the dogs -- they indeed help provide us with an overwhelming combat capability.

I took some time and went to help inspect trucks and IDs at Gate 5. I ran into the "A" team out there. Senior Airman Brandon Bishop and Airman 1st Class Jaimz Andrews, 90th SFS, were in the pit inspecting the large vehicles requesting permission to enter our installation. I got to get up close and personal with how we conduct our checks.
Next, I worked the gate with Senior Airmen Latasha Bell and William Berrios, 90th SFS. I can't thank you four enough for your professionalism and the hard work you all do keeping our base safe.

Last week we had the honor of hosting Maj. Gen. (ret) Tom Deppe as the guest speaker for Airman Leadership School graduation. Tech. Sgt. Zack Parish, 90th Force Support Squadron, was our emcee and did a superb job. I really liked the class presentation. These Airmen who graduated clearly understand the meaning of the profession of arms.
General Deppe spent 42 years in the Air Force. He sewed on technical sergeant, then went to officer training school and received his commission. His message is always ripe with wisdom and what I call "street smart" advice.

Even though he has been retired for a year now, it is obvious he still cares about our Airmen and our mission.

Saturday night, Julie and I attended the Cheyenne Frontier Days Coronation Ball. Rachel Shutter, our very own Miss Frontier, earned her saddle, and we had an opportunity to meet Amy Berry, the Lady-in-Waiting. It was a great evening and really is the first big event to kickoff this year's CFD. What better than to have the 90th Operations Group evaluation and standardization section undertake this huge project. My personal thanks go out to 90th OGV project leader 1st Lt. Nick Luina, and 1st. Lt Joe Zito, his main assistant -- another homerun by 90th OG!

Wednesday, the Cheyenne Grizzlies planned on hosting a military appreciation baseball clinic for our base; however, due to inclement weather it has been postponed. We decided to show them our mission and our base. Julie and I host two of the Grizzlies, Ryan Schwenn, #25, and Taylor "T-Fal" Fallon, #20. It was great having these two young men around as they fit right in with our military culture - men of character and passion for what they do.

We have attended many of their games and enjoyed watching the team this past few months. They received a mission brief by Tech. Sgt. Christine Ramler, 90th Medical Support Squadron, a dog demonstration by our dog handlers and a tour of Uniform-01 by our maintainers. Next week they begin their playoff run -- go Grizzlies, we're rooting for you!

Phillips Brooks, a pastor in the 1800s, stated, "Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones."

I share this timeless quote with you for many reasons. First, I like it, and I believe it is true. Secondly, the profession we are in demands it. I see it every day in this wing. I believe there are two fundamental characteristics embedded in the profession of arms: toughness and character. One key ingredient of toughness is having the tenacity and fortitude to get the results you are seeking. However, how you move from point "A" to point "B" is just as important as the results. To me, this is the character piece of the equation. I see here daily superior results and lots of heavy lifting with an uncompromising character. I have no doubt that we stand ready to go in harm's way when called upon and put Albert Einstein's fears to rest.

Go Forth and Conquer!