Commander's Corner: Proud to serve with Team Malmstrom

  • Published
  • By Col. Anthony Cotton
  • 341st Missile Wing commander
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Team Malmstrom, let me first start by saying how proud and honored I am to serve with you and for you as your Wing Commander. Today's article debuts a new feature that will be found in our paper every week. I'll give you my perspective on the week's activities here at Malmstrom. A barometer check, if you will.

It's been a busy week. But let's first go back to last week. Great work Wing One maintainers, defenders and operators -The Red Dawgs code change is complete! A tremendous amount of planning and hard work goes into this annual event. We "flushed the field" but did it safely and with precision. My hat's off to all who participated. One squadron down, two to go - well done! Speaking of well done, Maj Jim Horne, 341 OG and his team orchestrated a great Going Away Dinner for Col and Mrs. Fortney. From the memorable slideshow to the mouthwatering Santa Maria barbeque prepared by the 341st Maintenance Group's Top 3, everything was done with class, quite fitting for the Wing's former First Family.

Wing One is also preparing to host a major Response Task Force exercise for HQ AFGSC and the Air Staff. Members from all groups on the base are preparing as close to 100 personnel from AFGSC, Air Staff and other Federal Agencies will embark on Malmstrom from June 1-4. The Wing sharpened its sword by having an exercise on May 24.

The exercise, a precursor to the exercise next week, simulated an accident off base with one of our payload transporters. Mr. Royce Shipley and his Emergency Management team, as well as Mr. Mark Blake's Exercise Evaluation Team, incorporated exercise injects with state, county and city EM personnel for a comprehensive look at unified procedures. This marks the first time such integration has happened between Malmstrom and external EM teams. From all accounts, the exercise proved to be quite successful and readies our wing team for next week's events.

The Change of Command was a memorable event. Kudos to the Ops Group POC, Capt Edward Ferguson. I know it was no small feat preparing for such a ceremony. Thanks goes out to Ms. Tammy Deshner and her protocol team as they provided our normal 5-Star first impression to our visitors. The base looked great thanks to the hard work of Civil Engineering and the ceremony was well executed. That intense level of detail did not go unnoticed by our boss, Maj. Gen. Roger Burg, 20 AF/CC. Well Done!

Malmstrom is not immune to the tragedy of suicide. Our wing is mourning the loss of one of our members. Wing One observed the CSAF Stand Down on Thursday. Chief Kent and I addressed the entire wing on the Air Force's sobering trend of suicides and fatalities, including our own, as well as the beginning of the Critical Days of Summer. We also talked about the Wingman concept. As you have heard from me before, Wingmen act to help fellow Airmen. If you don't act, you're not a Wingman, you're an observer. Be a Wingman, not an observer. Your group and squadron commanders then met with you in smaller settings to further discuss the signs of problems that may lead to suicidal thoughts. Remember the vignettes and scenarios. Use them as tools to help prevent further tragedies.

Finally, we are beginning the Critical Days of Summer. Friday is an AFGSC Family Day. Many of you will be off on a well deserved break. Have fun, reconnect with family and friends, recharge your batteries but do it smartly and safely. Have a plan, don't over indulge. If you are going to drink alcohol, have a designated driver.
 
On the lake? Wear proper gear, operate the watercraft correctly.
 
Taking out the motorcycle? Watch for others around you, wear your gear.
 
Travelling by car? Make sure it's in proper running order, top to bottom. Properly plan, don't overextend your drive time.

It's going to be a busy summer. We need you fresh, focused and alive. Remember, you are our Air Force's greatest and most cherished asset...Be SAFE, enjoy the break...we'll see you next week!

-Col Cotton