Launches, challenges no problem for Mighty Ninety

  • Published
  • By Col. Greg Tims
  • 90th Missile Wing commander
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  What a fabulous opportunity to be able to watch the 200th Minuteman III ICBM test launch. Lt. Col. John Duda, 319th Missile Squadron, was the task force commander. He and his team made quite an impression on the men and women of the 576th Flight Test Squadron. I asked each of the group commanders to select one of their very best to accompany me on the trip out to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., to observe the launch.

Staff Sgt. Jeff Blanda, 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron; Senior Airman Joe Bailey, 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron; Senior Airman Lily Gonzalez, 90th Medical Operations Squadron; Senior Airman Jeff Gumkowski, 90th Security Support Squadron; and Senior Airman Matt Wanner, 320th Missile Squadron, were selected. I also brought along Nila Connors, 90th Missile Wing commander secretary, and Col. Sean Boyle, 90th Mission Support Group commander. Nila has been an instrumental part of this wing for more than 21 years. Colonel Boyle was scheduled to lead a task force some 21 years ago and unfortunately his mission was cancelled.

It was also neat to be able to take out Tom Elsberry. Tom is not only the Military Affairs Committee president, but also my honorary commander. Tom does so many wonderful things for our base as the MAC president. It was a pleasure to invite him on this once-in-a-lifetime event.

I was stationed at Vandenberg from the summer of 2005 through 2006. I used to be the deputy commander for the 595th Space Group. I have been involved in many launches, and this one was no different. As many of you may recall, we tried to launch the 200th mission several months ago, but had to scrub the mission. It wasn't until June 16 before we could get range time again. However, the team experienced some more issues, and while many of us got to experience Memorial Day with family and friends, this task force conducted major maintenance activities to keep the mission on track. Quite a Herculean task, but in typical Warren fashion, the team didn't miss a beat. We had the honor of Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visiting during the launch, as well as Maj. Gen. Roger Burg, 20th Air Force commander, and Mrs. Burg. A tremendous amount of work goes into one of these launches. Well done John to you and your team.

It was also great for me to be reunited with a dear, old friend of mine. I have been in the Air Force for 24 years and have known Col. Carl DeKemper for 29 years. Carl was the deputy commander for the 595th SG, but since their reorganization, he is now the 576th FLTS commander. He too reaped much praise on the professionalism and demonstrated expertise of our task force. Carl asked me to retire him on August 3. The reason I share this with you is to emphasize that military relationships are for life. Even though I knew Carl before we both were commissioned, our paths have crossed on numerous occasions, and when tough issues arose, we were always there to help the other out.

One of the things I have enjoyed most about being in the Air Force is about building solid relationships and bonds of trust between warriors. These relationships you build will go well beyond your retirement date and will last a life time.

Last week, I also got a chance to observe the 17th annual Crow Creek Challenge. Talk about taking our combat capability up a notch -- wow! I really enjoy watching events that push our Airmen to the limit. That is how we get better, stronger, smarter and more lethal. I have said this before and I'll say it again, our defenders are simply the best!

I'm sorry I was out of town and missed the senior NCO induction ceremony. I truly enjoy this event. Chief Charles Meador, 90th Security Forces Group, was the guest speaker, and I heard he did a bang-up job. The reason I like this ceremony is because I truly believe that master sergeants are the backbone of the NCO corps. Why do I make such a statement? It is because of four things: First, they are comfortable in dealing with generals and colonels on issues. Second, they are out front leading. Third, they can still relate to the challenges of life that confront our young officers and Airmen. And finally, they are behind the scenes taking care of the Airmen and the mission. As you can tell, they occupy a very pivotal role in today's Air Force.

If I may elaborate even more on the point, senior NCOs provide a unique and necessary role of mentoring our younger officers. There were five master sergeants; Patty Dupuis, Bob Salveter, Chuck Emery, John Baker and Don Larson; who helped train me when I was a young captain in maintenance. I would not be where I am today without them taking the time to mentor me. Yes, they were old school and tough as nails. They had a burning desire for their Airmen to succeed. They were never satisfied with good enough. They showed me how to solve problems. They clearly understood and had respect for the profession of arms. As expected, all of them went on to make chief master sergeant, and it was indeed a sad day when the last one of them retired a few years back.

Those of you who were just inducted into the senior NCO ranks, I wish you only the best and hope you continue the legacy of excellence that has been demonstrated before you.

Go Forth and Conquer!