6 Nov 2007

Base populace welcomes West Gate opening

Now that the main gate has re-opened, I'd like to start out by saying "thank you" to the entire Team Peterson community for bearing with the closure of the West Gate for 98 days. I know it was inconvenient for all of those who live and work on the base; however, it was critical that we take the time to upgrade all aspects of its operation. The

30 Oct 2007

Incredible teamwork characterizes assumption of command ceremony

The 21st Space Wing was privileged to host Air Force Space Command's assumption of command ceremony for General C. Robert Kehler Oct. 24. As General Kehler said, it was a spectacular ceremony with the collective pride and talent of the entire base on full display. What made the ceremony even more impressive was the incredible teamwork that went

22 Oct 2007

EOD team, other agencies make valuable contributions

Last week, the 21st Space Wing command chief master sergeant, Tim Omdal, and I had the opportunity to visit with the wing's Explosive Ordinance Disposal team. As a part of the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron, this group of professionals plays an integral part in successfully executing two main pillars of the overall wing mission - providing

16 Oct 2007

4th Space Control Squadron visit highlights exceptional unit

Chief Omdal and I had the pleasure of visiting the 4th Space Control Squadron "Pirates" at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, last week. This was my first visit to Holloman, quietly tucked away in southern New Mexico, since my tour as the as the 21st Operations Group deputy commander in 2001. We had a fantastic time meeting the professional men and women of

2 Oct 2007

Conference valuable opportunity for wing leaders

Last week, commanders from across the wing traveled to Peterson AFB for the 21st Space Wing Commander's Conference. This semi-annual event was a great opportunity for commanders and key members of the wing staff to get together to discuss important issues facing the wing. It was also an opportunity for various agencies to provide updates on a

25 Sep 2007

Amazing events of last week

Looking back over the past week, it was undoubtedly my busiest week yet as commander of the 21st Space Wing. On Sept. 20, Peterson hosted the JFCC Space and 14th Air Force commander's conference at the Leadership Development Center. In addition, we had the honor of hosting the 76th Space Control Squadron heritage ceremony as the Flying Tiger

18 Sep 2007

Key wing events summary

The recent grand opening of the new Stripes Pub was advertised by the 21st Services Squadron as being an event you wouldn't want to miss; however, it turned out to be even more successful than anyone could have imagined. If you were at the ribbon cutting then you know exactly what I'm talking about - it was truly a spectacular event.

12 Sep 2007

Fallen Soldier

I had prepared another article for this week; however, an event happened recently that compelled me to put that article on the shelf and share this with you. A fallen hero returned to Peterson Air Force Base from Iraq Sept. 11. That hero was Pfc. Dane R. Balcon, who gave his life serving our country in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Private

10 Sep 2007

Why integrity

Many years ago, when I worked on a flight line, the master sergeant I worked for imparted this maxim: "First, learn the rule, then learn the reason behind the rule, then you don't have to worry so much about the rule any more." That might have been a satisfactory view back then while installing navigation equipment in an F4-D Phantom, but I believe

5 Sep 2007

Directorate of Staff offices perform flawless mission support

Tuesday prior to Labor Day, Chief Master Sgt. Tim Omdal and I visited the men and women serving in the various offices of our 21st Space Wing Directorate of Staff. With more than 160 Airmen performing a multitude of roles across the wing, it's not a stretch to say that these individuals literally form the backbone of support for the Team Peterson