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Thank you for your team effort and be safe this July 4th

  • Published
  • By Col. Michael Hornitschek
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Commander
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  This week has been busy for the wing and many are looking forward to the Fourth of July break. My wife, Polly, and I are excited to be back to Scott AFB and look forward to serving and getting to know the great men and women of Team Scott. In my first few days, I have seen just how much you do on a daily basis! I also see the outstanding teamwork as we've worked through the events of the past several days.

First, I would like to express how thankful I am to all who had a part in welcoming my family. Your friendship and open arms in welcoming us and our children, Forrest and Sydney, are truly appreciated. It's truly a small world in this Air Force, and we're so pleased to see old friends here and have the opportunity to make new ones.

My thanks also go to the many men and women who made the wing change of command a memorable and most professional event. Holding true to the finest of military traditions while being superbly executed, it certainly showcased "Excellence In All We Do." I couldn't be more humbled and honored to serve with you at this time.

On my first full day on the job Team Scott was privileged to host Illinois Governor Pat Quinn as he signed the Interstate Compact on Education Opportunity for Military Children. Gen. and Mrs. Duncan McNabb, strong advocates for our military children, joined the Governor, several military family members, and Illinois congressional delegates to witness Illinois becoming the 35th state to sign the Compact into law. As one of our military moms affected by the legislation stated, the Compact is designed to provide for more flexibility in accepting test scores, grades, and coursework from previous out-of-state schools and enable students transferring to Scott AFB to continue their education without undue disruption and stress. Well done and many thanks for having the vision to take care of our children for now and well into the future.

I've also had the privilege to speak to you during my commander calls this week and share with you a little about my leadership philosophy. I plan to discuss that in detail during the upcoming weeks. As you have clearly proven this is a wing on a great trajectory, and I want to ensure we stay on track and further that excellence and growth. We are going to grow together, and we're going to focus on leadership traits that will help us do that. I look forward to working on the "Scott Campus of Leadership University" with you and hearing about what you would do to make Scott an even better place to live and work.

Now, like many of you, our family is preparing to celebrate the Fourth of July. I have one thing to ask as we all spend the next few days traveling, celebrating and reconnecting with family and friends: please make smart decisions and be a good Wingman.

Regrettably, last week we lost a 375th family member, 21-year-old Airman 1st Class Jamarrio N. Beathea from the 375th Communication Squadron. He was a passenger in a vehicle that overturned on a local exit ramp. Three other Airmen from the wing were injured. This tragic situation has changed the lives of these Airmen , their families, and co-workers forever, and certainly are filled with regret.

As your Wingman, I cannot stress enough the importance of safety in all our activities whether it be traveling, boating, or hiking. Take the extra time and effort to comply with safety guidelines. You are a critical part of our team and the bottom line is that the 375th family, nor your family, can afford to lose you--especially due to carelessness or bad decisions. Please be safe, so we can come back ready to tackle the mission...all together and every one accounted for.

And finally, I'm grateful to be with my family and friends following my recent deployment, yet my thoughts are with the many still serving in harm's way throughout the world.

My thoughts are focused on remembering the cost, throughout our history, of freedom.

When George Washington viewed the disintegration of his beleaguered army during the Battle of Long Island, and seeing his men fight the British, though outnumbered and trapped, he mourned for the "great men that he had lost that day." We have lost great souls in the past and each brother or sister we lose in today's War on Terrorism is deeply felt.

With freedom, comes responsibility and our nation is not only continuing in that tradition, but also assisting other freedom-loving people around the world. We must not get discouraged. We must be brave and trust in our leaders, and in each other. We are one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Together we will keep America great. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July.