Heritage to Horizons- Today’s events forged by history Published Sept. 14, 2007 By Col. Steven Harrison 436th AW commander DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- On Sept. 7, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb relinquished command of Air Mobility Command to Gen. Arthur J. Lichte at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. in a ceremony steeped in heritage and customs. What a terrific thrill to witness the leadership of this great warfighting force change hands and what a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the incredible capability we call 'global reach!' No other nation ... indeed, no group of nations, possesses the ability to project power and influence to any point on the globe that America's mobility forces afford her. Every 90 seconds, around the world and around the clock, 365 days a year, another air mobility platform takes flight in order to provide the United States the sovereign options that her global responsibilities demand and her citizens deserve. No single organization is more central to this amazing capability than Team Dover. So, I greatly look forward to joining you in a celebration of this amazing legacy in a 'Heritage to Horizons' 60th Anniversary Air Force Ball Saturday at Dover Downs! As promised, there will be no guest speaker ... just a rousing tribute to American air power from World War II to the present. Dover AFB contributions will figure prominently, as will the 'ghosts' of yesterday and tomorrow. Bring your dancing shoes and enjoy the camaraderie -- it's going to be a 'can't miss' event! It also comes at a time when remembrance of this legacy ... and the sacrifices upon which it was built ... bears a prominent place in our thoughts. I would like to offer a special thanks to all those Dover members who took some small part of their Tuesday to offer their respects to those who lost their lives during the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. Similarly, today we pay tribute to America's prisoners-of-war and missing-in-action by holding a silent vigil at the wing headquarter's flag pole in recognition of National POW/MIA day. From 6:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Airmen from every organization on base will stand watch in honor of those whose commitment and sacrifice establishes the standard of excellence by which we must all measure our service. Speaking of excellence, the award-winning ways of Team Dover continue to impress me. As just one recent example, I'd like to offer hearty congratulations to Master Sgt. John Rinker for his selection as the Air Force's 2006 Outstanding Base Bio-environmental Engineering Senior NCO of the Year. There are 117 wings in the Air Force and the best Bio senior NCO resides here ... Wow! With world-class professionals like Sergeant Rinker, a legacy of excellence and a central role in the Global War on Terrorism, it is little wonder that General and Mrs. Lichte, along with Chief Master Sgt. Joe Barron, AMC command chief, have selected Team Dover for their very first unit visit Thursday through Sept. 21. Shortly thereafter, we will host Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, United States Transportation Command commander. Thanks in advance for all your terrific spirit and enthusiasm while preparing to host these visits -- and for showing the Air Force's mobility leadership why Dover AFB is home to 'America's Preeminent Expeditionary Airlift Team!'