Commander sends holiday message

  • Published
  • By Col. Sandy Finan
  • 341st Space Wing commander
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  We've had quite a year in 2007 to say the least. Its included events that many of you will carry with you for the rest of your lives ... I know I will. From the tragedy of the Snowbird crash, to our triumphs as the best ICBM wing in the world - we've demonstrated time and time again why Malmstrom is the place others look to when the job needs to get done.

As we get ready to close out another year, I encourage you to make plans to spend time with loved ones - enjoy your time off, you've all earned it! However, with all the excitement surrounding this time of year, I challenge you to remain focused on our mission to secure, operate, maintain and support our Nation's strategic deterrent force 24 hours a day, seven days a week - the mission simply doesn't take a break.

Remember, as you carry out holiday plans and celebrations, that you are our most important resource and your safety is vital to this wing. Without our people, the mission would not happen.

I expect everyone to stay vigilant of their fellow Airmen's needs during this time of year and to practice the 'wingman' concept by taking care of each other. That starts with our first-line supervisors and moves all the way up the chain. For many Airmen, this will be their first time away from home for the holidays. Supervisors and commanders need to be mindful and be sure that our Airmen's needs are being taken into account.

I'd also like to take this chance to encourage supervisors to reinforce safety and risk management practices through face-to-face contact with your Airmen. If someone is going out of town on leave, make sure they have a safe travel plan. If someone plans to drink during a holiday party, be sure that person has a plan for getting home safely. This isn't meant to discourage leave or holiday celebrations. This is meant to let everyone know that we are all part of the Air Force family, and that we want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday season and to come back recharged and ready to go.

I am very proud to be your commander. There is no other wing out there that works as hard day-in and day-out as Malmstrom to ensure our Nation's security. Each and every one of you makes that possible!

Again, enjoy your holiday celebrations and be safe in what you do. Chuck and I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving and we wish you all a happy holiday season!