Working together as wingmen with positive attitudes and energy Published Nov. 16, 2009 By Col. Gary Goldstone 375th Air Mobility Wing commander SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- We are deep in massive preparations for several upcoming significant events, and I want take a moment to share some thoughts with you as we work together during the next few days and weeks. First, our Wingman Day tomorrow could not come at a more important time. The recent events of the Fort Hood shootings have left us wondering how something like that could happen ... and why. It is truly a shocking and terrible tragedy, and as the investigation unfolds and details are released, maybe some of our questions will be answered. However, that doesn't lessen the pain for families and friends, co-workers and fellow servicemembers who are experiencing this terrible loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Army as they wrestle with the recent tragic events at Fort Hood. It's a reminder that our lives can change in an instant and that we must take time to ensure we are focused on our families and relationships, and continue to look out for each other. It seems in situations such as this that there are always the "warning signs that were missed." I don't have all the answers on how to prevent people from choosing these types of destructive paths. Some people will find a way to hurt others or themselves despite our best efforts. But, we have excellent tools at our disposal to use in reaching out to each other, and we must never stop in our efforts to counsel with each other. We must continue to observe and address any of the warning signs as best we can. I would just encourage all of us to think of those who are still working through the trauma and place a renewed emphasis on the purpose of the Wingman Day. Talk through the exercises, participate and get to know each other better ... and re-commit to being better wingmen. Second, all eyes will be on our Showcase Wing as we prepare for hundreds of senior leaders next week who are arriving for conferences and for the Air Mobility Command change of command and retirement of Gen. Arthur J. Lichte. General Lichte retires after 38 years of service and on behalf of the 375th Air Mobility Wing, we express our appreciation for his leadership and outstanding example. While the missions of AMC are diverse, exciting, and critical to the nation's success, it has always been clear that his No. 1 priority has been to take care of our Airmen and their families. It has certainly been an honor and a privilege to serve a commander of such high integrity and who is greatly esteemed by his followers. Team Scott sends our best wishes to the Lichtes as they transition to their next life-journey. While we are always mindful of our guests and friends who visit us each week throughout the year, let's take a second to look at our surroundings and ensure excellence in both our visible presentations as well as our courteous and friendly customer service. Your efforts make a big difference. I'm proud to serve with you and join you in the preparations that are to come. Also during this time frame, more than 250 of our fellow Airmen will be going through mobility lines and boarding aircraft for our Operational Readiness Exercise in Alpena, Mich. This is the second of three fly away exercises planned to help prepare us for our Operational Readiness Inspection next March. It takes a huge amount of coordination, planning, and hard work to make this happen, so as they're donning gas masks and taking cover during simulated attacks, the home team will continue with the mission to provide excellent support to Team Scott without missing a beat. I know this to be true because I've already seen it in action. Please be safe and exude positive energy and attitude in all that you do. Air Power!