A heartfelt thank you

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Andrew Lattimore
  • 436th Medical Support Squadron commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Snow, snow, go away, come again some other day! This phrase has been echoed by many people as Dover has had numerous snowfalls this winter. It seems that whenever we thought the snow season was over, out of the blue, another snowfall would come.



Snow can be beautiful and snow can be fun. It can turn a night into a postcard-like photo when the snow is freshly fallen, undisturbed, and glistening as the street light's reflection bounces off the many angles formed by the snowdrifts. It can turn a neighborhood into a playground as children engage in sledding, igloo building, (yes...there were several attempts of building igloos in the snow), and the occasional snowball fight.



But snow can also be dangerous, especially when left unattended. It can quickly turn to ice as the temperature drops and cause roadways and sidewalks to become slippery and unsafe. It can cause fatal accidents and personal injuries that could have long-term effects on those who are unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end.



It is the down side of snowfalls that has led Dover Air Force Base to develop a cadre of members who are tasked to respond and help eliminate the hazards associated with snow. The cadre of dedicated professionals I am referring to are known as the Snow Removal Team.



Snow removal teams are made up of individuals, some who volunteer and some who are "volun-told", tasked to remove snow and ice from critical areas around the base. They are up early and at their designated locations well before the rest of the base populace is required to report to work, often times when the snow and rain are still falling.



They shovel, salt, and remove hazards from sidewalks, parking lots, and other walkways so others are able to move around in as safe an environment as they can. They clear the runways to support aircraft takeoffs and landings and cargo movements, as well as clear the roads to ensure first responders (fire, medical, security forces, etc.) are able to safely respond should they be needed. They do all this to ensure Dover AFB remains as safe as possible.



So for everyone who has spent time rising early and reporting to work to remove the snow from the critical areas around the base, I want to say thank you! I know how tough your job is and understand all the sacrifices you make to be part of the team, and I didn't want any of you to think your work has gone unnoticed. You have led the way in showing others what "service before self" is all about and the results have proven you have "excellence in all you do!" Thank you for being a part of our Dover Team! For those who are not part of the snow removal teams, if you know or see a snow removal team member, please join me in telling them "thank you"...let's show them we appreciate all that they do!