Warm welcomes and more Showcase Standouts! Published Aug. 8, 2012 By Col. David Almand 375 Air Mobility Wing commander SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- This week we welcomed new 18th Air Force commander, Lt. Gen. Darren McDew and his wife, Evelyn, back for his third time at Scott Air Force Base! We're glad to have his experience--one that includes commanding the 375th "Showcase Wing," a phrase he coined back in 2002. Even though, as he said, things have changed, one thing hasn't--your commitment to success! I echo that sentiment! You helped us not only to welcome a new commander, but also provide a fitting sendoff and tribute for Lt. Gen. Mark Ramsey the previous 18th Air Force commander. Thanks to everyone who supported the Numbered Air Force in this important event and for helping set the right tone with your professionalism. I continue to see that professionalism every day as I visit with you. For example, I recently enjoyed a more in-depth visit to the pharmacy where I saw first-hand the care and expertise that's required to ensure medications are dispensed properly. I also learned about hematology and how to take blood from a very brave volunteer patient--2nd Lt. Giselle Rieschick. The 375th Medical Group commander, Col. Bret Burton also braved the less accurate needle pinning of Command Chief Marty Anderson as well ... now that's leading by example! Our technicians all have a very important role to play in keeping the force fit for duty and in caring for our family members and retired veterans. You all do great work! And it's not only with our medical experts, but also the security forces troops who meet and greet our workforce and visitors each day at the gates. A special Showcase Standout is Senior Airman Ryan McNeal with the 126th Security Forces Squadron, who went out of his way to acknowledge one of our fine retired veterans by his retired rank and gave him a warm welcome--something the veteran said was not done at the base where he is still living. This veteran also praised the lodging and dining facility staff for the great job they do there, too! Thanks everyone for making our friends, family and guests feel welcome. It's those little touches--like remembering names or extending a kindness--that go a long way toward making a positive first and lasting impression on those around us. Providing "showcase" customer service continues to be a focus area for us in the wing, so let's continue to provide the same kind of service we expect from others. Airman 1st Class Jazmine Ward, 375th Comptroller Squadron, did just that as she was, according to her customer, "VERY helpful" in getting a member's PCS/BAH entitlements squared away. Thank you for taking the time to help people in one of the more stressful aspects of military life--the move! Speaking of service, I also received word that our team of firefighters who are currently deployed to Central Asia saved 3.2 million gallons of fuel when they quickly extinguished a smaller, nearby fire. The quick actions of Staff Sgt. James Fligor and Airman Kendall Fair of the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron, kept the fire from spreading and prevented a possible catastrophic mission impact if the fuel had been lost. Outstanding! Members of Team Scott are being recognized throughout the state as well. Take Senior Master Sgt. Rebecca Gabel, Air Mobility Command, for instance! She was recently recognized by the Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers as the Most Innovative Blood Drive Coordinator. She worked with the Air Force Sergeants Association to get the "Mississippi Valley Regional Center Blood Drive" recognized as an official project, so the drives could continue in her absence due to TDY or deployment schedules. I'm proud of all the efforts that are put into these and other monthly blood drives on base because I know they go to help our very own Airmen in need! I just ask you all to keep up the great work as we all take care of each other in this important work that we do!