Wing commander: Proud of Airmen

  • Published
  • By Col. Greg Tims
  • 90th Missile Wing Commander
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other," so wrote John F. Kennedy. Tell you what, I learned a lot over the past week or so that taught me about the pride, toughness, team work and professionalism of our Airmen, this base and the Cheyenne community. 

I received an e-mail the other day letting me know what a fantastic team we have in the housing office. Gwen Steeves, 90th Civil Engineering Squadron, was named in an e-mail I received for going out of her way to ensure the needs of a newly assigned family to the base were being met. In response to the kudos received, Ms. Steeves turned and thanked Kimberly Patterson, Tonya Blackwell and Edward Golden, all from 90th CES, for allowing her to be able to have the flexibility to ensure the mission gets done. By her reply, I learned Ms. Steeves is a true team player, and I'm very glad she is on our team. 

Four members of the 90th Security Forces Group Tactical Response Force participated in opening ceremonies Sunday for the American Indoor Football Association Championship Bowl III in Casper, Wyo. In front of 5,000 fans, Staff Sgts. Justin Herbert and Jason Moritz,Senior Airman Andrew Vautrin and Airman 1st Class Daniel Reaume repelled from the rafters 70 feet above the field after a rousing speech by Gen. George Patton on the giant screen. As General Patton finished talking about being a proud American and working as a team, the TRF members dropped one by one onto the field in grand fashion. The team's actions, coupled with the energetic atmosphere, drove the crowd wild. Pretty cool stuff. 

Cheyenne Frontier Days was a great learning experience. This was the first CFD for Julie and me, but it was an outstanding event. I now fully understand the motto, "Daddy of 'em All." We were fortunate to meet many great people from Cheyenne, and I was impressed as I watched members of the Mighty Ninety engaged during many of the events. My CFD experience taught me how strong the relationship truly is between F. E. Warren and Cheyenne. Much like leadership and learning, they are indispensable to each other. 

We had a fantastic visit with Secretary of the Air Force, Michael Donley and his wife Gail as well as General C. Robert Kehler and his wife Marj. It is always a pleasure to host world-class leaders and show off our Airmen. I know they enjoyed the events at CFD because they made a point to tell me. 

Everyone will have stand-out memories for the 113th CFD, and I'd like to share a few of mine. 

I couldn't help but feel a lump in my throat while watching our honor guard carrying the colors in the four CFD parades. It was also a heartfelt moment when I watched Col. Sean Boyle, 90th Mission Support Group commander, and Airmen from his group march in the parade July 23 followed by vehicles from the 90th Maintenance Group and the base fire department. When they blew their horns, I couldn't help but think to myself, "Now that's the sound of freedom!" More impressive was the cheers, adoration and appreciation from the crowds watching as the Mighty Ninety marched and drove by. 

During the Professional Bull Riders competition July 20, I watched a young cowboy get caught in a rope and dragged around by the bull he was riding. Despite an angry 2,000 pound bull dragging the cowboy around, two rodeo bull fighters jumped into the arena without hesitation to help him. One of the bull fighters cut the rope, freeing the cowboy. That was guts and toughness rolled into one. I admire that. 

One last observation from CFD is that while some of the 90th Missile Wing members could make it out to the events, others couldn't because they were operating, maintaining, securing or supporting our strategic force. Quietly, and without fanfare, our mission never missed a beat. 

Yes, leadership and learning are indispensable, and I learned a lot during my short time here. Your honor, character, courage and discipline continue to impress me. Well done Mighty Ninety, well done.
Go forth and conquer.