Living the dream Published April 5, 2016 By Lt. Col. Todd Walker 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Over the last few weeks I've noticed an increased use in the phrase, "living the dream." What does this strange phrase mean? I've heard it many times over my 30 years but, until now, I haven't asked myself, "Todd, are you living the dream?" It's my unresolved question...so let's see if I'm living the dream. How do I even start to figure that out? It's best to keep these types of questions very simple so my answer will be based off Team Dover's People, Mission, and Family mantra. People Well, this one is easy, I absolutely love the people of Dover AFB; how could you not? The opportunity to work with thousands of people all committed to the defense of our nation is one of the greatest blessings of my life. I've always strived to surround myself with people who embrace our core values and there's no better place than Dover AFB. Every morning, like clockwork, I know I'm going to see the smiling faces of Mrs. Avonda Johnson, Leonard "Smitty" Smith and Staff Sgts. Danielle Evans and Darnell Harvey. Throughout the day, I will have plenty of visitors drop by the office from Denise Hubbell, 2nd Lt. Akeem Parks and Senior Airman "Squirrel" Hernandez; always checking up on me. Funny, I started to write about support I have received from squadron commanders, shirts and chiefs, but in reality, I have the support of the entire base; you have the support of the entire base. So, we will check this one off as "living the dream." Mission In 2014, I was assigned to the 521st Air Mobility Operations Group stationed at Al Mubarak Air Base, Kuwait. During that time, I was notified that we would be hosting the first deployed C-5M Super Galaxy team from Dover AFB. I can remember seeing those gigantic C5's land at KCIA and simply standing in awe of their ability to deliver rapid global mobility. I've always been a huge fan of Dover's mission, and I dreamt of having the opportunity to once again serve in the Eagle Wing. Who wouldn't? We are the home of a wing that flies hundreds of missions all around the world "projecting global reach to more than 100 countries." We are also the home of the wing that will support those who are in need, and not just when they ask. It's a blessing to see people throughout the Eagle Wing seeking ways to serve others. People like Master Sgts. David Jones and Patrick Carr. When asked for immediate manning support for their Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants brothers and sisters at the 87th Air Base Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, they responded within minutes. This block is checked off as well. Family I have two families...one biological, and the other, well, I consider all of you as my brothers and sisters. That's not a cliché statement; it simply is how I feel. I have the most amazing mom and pops, two loving sisters and three daughters who motivate me to be the greatest pop, son, friend and Airmen. On the professional side, I have the exact same. I get the opportunity to work for my heroes; men and women who lay down their lives every day so I can be free, my children can be free...the world can be free. When I review my life through those filters, there's no doubt, "I'm living the dream."