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Team Malmstrom: What does it really signify?

By Maj. Jordon Cochran, 341st Communications Squadron commander / Published January 11, 2010

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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Of all the bases I have been assigned, this is the first one that has introduced the base as an entity and the personnel assigned as a "Team."

I found it interesting in the beginning and really did not understand why we used the connotation, "Team Malmstrom." I didn't know if it was because of the ICBM inter-wing rivalries/competitions, or the success of the intramural programs, or what it really meant.
Well, it didn't take long to understand what "Team Malmstrom" signified. Simply stated, it means taking care of each other, in all aspects, from military to civilian to our contractor team members.

We all are working toward supporting the success of nuclear mission, and sports' team aspects can help carry us to achieve lofty goals.

Fittingly from the movie "Miracle," "when you put on that jersey, the name on the front is more important than the name on the back."

The Team Malmstrom and 341st Missile Wing mission identification is exactly what this is relating to.

This team concept ties into one of our leadership's themes in that we are Airmen, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

We maintain and uphold our core values both on and off duty. We don't have the option to leave our core values (Integrity, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do) at our duty section at the end of the day.

Doing so would be, and is, unacceptable on all counts! Make sure you are not one of the few percentages of personnel who tarnish the Team Malmstrom association.

After all, who wants a military performance report or civilian annual appraisal that reads: "Bottom 10 percent! Failed to uphold basic Air Force core values, not a team player--DEMOTE!"

Basic leadership and strong involvement at all levels will help keep Team Malmstrom performing at high levels -- true professionals perform at consistently higher levels than others anyway.

I'd like to further illustrate the Team Malmstrom concept with an analogy to a 1976 Special Olympics track and field story held in Spokane, Wash., where a 100-yard dash contestant took a tumble and some of the other athletes turned back to help the fallen one, culminating in their crossing the finish line together.

It is our duty as Team Malmstrom members to take care of each other, pick each other up when we fall, and we will cross the finish line together with success.

Teamwork is the fuel that allows us to produce outstanding results. It is an honor to be a part of Team Malmstrom and I look forward to crossing the finish line together.
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