Command Corner: Jan. 11

  • Published
  • By Col. Steven Harrison
  • 436th AW commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  On Jan. 8, we paid our final respects to a member of our extended "Air Force family." Airman 1st Class Trent Grove, a security forces apprentice, was one of two passengers killed in a single-vehicle accident while on leave in Pennsylvania on New Year's Eve, and another passenger remains in critical condition. 

I would like to extend my personal thanks to the men and women of the 436th Security Forces Squadron for the professional and heartfelt memorial they offered to Airman Grove. Mr. and Mrs. Grove were deeply touched by the dignity, honor and respect offered their son, and we were all reminded of the compassion we share for all those who defend our Nation. 

This tragedy is a painful reminder that life is fragile. We must effectively manage risks, make mature decisions and act as good Wingmen; but we also have to be prepared for when things go wrong. I encourage you to update your DD Form 93 (VRed), ensure your will reflects your wishes and verify you have an adequate life insurance policy. It's imperative to ensure your family is adequately prepared if tragedy strikes. 

As expected, the tempo has begun to pick up following the holiday break. We had a tremendous turnout for the Haunted House/Battle Ax exercise Jan. 5 through 8. More than 400 Team Dover warriors received refresher training on their ability-to-survive-and-operate. 

Thank you to those who participated and the operational readiness inspection preparation team for putting together a comprehensive learning environment and test. Due to space limitations, we had to turn away volunteers -- testament to the enthusiasm and dedication our team has invested toward excelling in the upcoming ORI. Keep up the great work and we'll ace the ORI in July! 

In the immediate future is the final competition for the Commander-In-Chief's Award for Installation Excellence. The evaluation team will visit here Jan. 27 to 29. We will be asking a lot from the entire team over the next three weeks as we draft and rehearse our presentations, make the entire base sparkle and show the team why we deserve to win. 

But in reality, the hardest work is already finished. What you do everyday continues to amaze me, and I know that it will amaze the evaluation team as well. Show them your best, Team Dover, and we'll win the first CINC Installation Excellence Award in Dover history and only the second in Air Mobility Command history! 

A world-class team bringing its "A-game" every day ¬¬-- that's why Dover Air Force Base is "America's Preeminent Expeditionary Airlift Team!"