Thank You for my worst day at Dover

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. John Evalle
  • 436th Airlift Wing command chief master sergeant
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  As my assignment at Dover Air Force Base, Del., comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank everyone for the incredible support that thousands of you provided directly to me as the 436th Airlift wing command chief in developing and taking care of our Team Dover "Capital A" Airmen and their families. During my lightning quick two-year assignment, many of you (too many to name specifically) have deliberately made Dover AFB a better place to work, live, make friends, raise a family, have fun and serve our country.

There is something very electric about the wide-spread positive culture of excellence here, and that culture is coupled with a very contagious and genuine attitude of taking care of each other. Dover AFB's attitude and culture are also superbly balanced with a tremendous devotion to fulfilling our "Deliver!" mission.

Dover AFB is truly a special place, but it is not perfect, and while we all continuously strive to make it better, avoid the trap of focusing only on the negative. Doing so will only distract you from enjoying and being proud of all the "goodness" we have here.

I also want everyone to know about my worst day at Dover AFB. Many of you might thing my worst day was when I got TASERed by security forces (yes, there is a video and yes, that really hurt!). But no, that was not my worst day at Dover AFB. My worst day at Dover AFB is by far today. Today, I went to my final out-processing appointment and I am departing this evening. I am leaving a huge group of life-long friends and family to carry on a mission that my wife, Lori, and I have loved being a part of. I will truly miss all the "goodness" of Dover AFB and I encourage everyone to never take this wonderful Dover AFB culture for granted.

Keep confusing work with a good time, keep confusing co-workers with your best friends and never forget how much "goodness" we all have in our lives! Thank you again to everyone for your inspiring support and heartfelt friendship, and keep striving to make Dover AFB your best assignment ever.