Commentary: Commander stresses readiness

  • Published
  • By Col. Randal L. Bright
  • 512th Airlift Wing commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  It's officially fall, and right around the corner are several holidays where we can spend time with our families. Don't forget the importance of how your family relates to the work you do here. 

If it were not for the support of your family, you would not be here doing the outstanding job you do for the 512th Airlift Wing, 22nd Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command, Air Force and our nation. Without you, the military couldn't do its mission; and, without family backing, you couldn't perform that mission. Be sure to thank them for their support and enjoy the fall together. 

Nine months from now, we will perform for the Air Mobility Command Inspector General during an Expeditionary Operational Readiness Inspection. For the average reservist, that's 18 UTA days away and some annual tour and a special manday or two here and there. July will be here before you know it. If you haven't started to get ready for this inspection, you are behind. 

We have several events over the next nine months to ensure we are as ready as we can be, but it will take "attention to detail" to ensure each and every one of us are prepared. Again, I'm not talking about only those who are deploying, but I'm talking about the entire wing. It's all of our jobs to be ready, prepared and focused to head out the door. So, even if you're not specifically tasked to deploy in July, make sure your stuff is ready. 

It's also important to lend extra focus to those who are deploying. They are doing this for us; and, we have a larger responsibility to ensure they get the support they need, so they'll be more than ready for anything the IG throws at them. Pick a wingman, and we'll get through this with flying colors. 

There have already been a couple of wing Airmen who have been recognized and rewarded with a new stripe to technical sergeant under the Promotion Enhancement Program. They are Tech. Sgts. Michael Rosan, 712th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and John Vonville, 512th Mission Support Squadron. Congratulate these two fine wingmen when you get the chance. 

Another member whose sleeves are a little heavier these days is Gary Green of the 512th Maintenance Squadron. The wing command chief and I recently interviewed him for consideration for promotion to chief master sergeant. 

We have great people in this wing. Let's keep pushing and challenging them to raise the bar, and they will come through. 

Enjoy the fall weather, take care of your physical fitness and your readiness.
As always, I am honored to serve as your commander.