Commander thanks his winning team

  • Published
  • By Col. Steven Harrison
  • 436th AW commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  This was another action-packed week at Dover AFB! Thanks to our entire team --active, reserve, civil service, contractors, family members and community partners -- for showcasing America's preeminent expeditionary airlift team to Air Mobilty Command's newest leadership team -- Gen. and Mrs. Arthur J. Lichte and command Chief Master Sergeant Joseph Barron! What an incredible honor!

Although I've been here for 5 months now, as I escorted our guests about the base and saw once again the phenomenal talent of our Airmen, their tireless commitment to excellence, and their passion for continuous process improvement, I could not help but be impressed all over again! In virtually every organization, Dover Airmen are establishing AMC and Air Force benchmarks for excellence, demonstrating pride in their workplace and mission through immaculate base appearance and allowing their enthusiasm to infect the organization.

Marry that to a mission, at home and abroad, that is literally the foundation for America's global reach capability, and it quickly translates into 'saving lives and delivering freedom' around the world and around the clock. It is no wonder that General and Mrs. Lichte chose Dover AFB as the first visit of their command ... wow!

This morning we'll have the opportunity to show the Lichtes and Chief Barron a few final centers of excellence before bidding them a fond farewell. But the excitement doesn't end there.

Tonight we'll host the NASCAR social in anticipation of Fall NASCAR Weekend at Dover Downs! Expect standing room only at The Landings as NASCAR-mania pervades with racing cars, pizza, drivers, games, NASCAR exhibits and more! And the Air Force will get involved too as Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, U.S. Transportation Command commander, transits the base en route to Dover Downs where he will represent the Air Force Recruiting Command and the Air Force #21 Car in front of over 200,000 fans and millions more television viewers around the world. Hundreds of Dover Airmen volunteer time and services to help out during the races -- I appreciate your continued support of our local community, and your courage in braving the crowds as Dover expands to nearly 6 times its normal population!

I would also like to offer a warm thanks to the AF Ball committee for putting on a terrific show to a nearly standing-room-only crowd of almost 700 people gathered for the 60th Anniversary Air Force Ball last Saturday. I'd also like to thank the Stardust Nights quartet of the 287th Army Band, Delaware National Guard band for providing musical entertainment. It's not easy to capture 60 years of history and tradition in the world's greatest Air and Space Force, but the evening did that and more. Thanks to all those who made it special, and to those who joined us for a wonderful evening.

Finally, hats off to the First Sergeants' Council for organizing and conducting the POW/MIA silent vigil that began at 6:30 a.m. Sept. 14 and continued until 4:30 p.m., culminating in a commemoration ceremony for those whose service remains the standard by which we must all measure our commitment. U.S. Rep. Mike Castle also attended the ceremony to offer his respects to the many selfless men and women we acknowledged during this solemn day.

The pace never slows at Dover ... but you take it in stride! Every day the team gets better, translating Dover excellence into enhanced support for the warfighter. Today all air cargo for Operation Enduring Freedom transits Dover AFB ... and our cargo loads may triple in less than six months. Today we have 300 Airmen standing guard against tyranny and oppression around the world ... in a few months we'll have three times that many. There are 117 wings in the United States Air Force -- none of them are more engaged on a daily basis in supporting the Global War on Terrorism than Team Dover. Your tireless efforts and 'can-do' attitude are quickly making Dover the 'center of the Airlift Universe,' and are the reason that Team Dover remains America's Preeminent Expeditionary Airlift Team! Great work!