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Summer message: Work hard and take leave

  • Published
  • By Col. Gary Goldstone
  • 375th Airlift Wing Commander
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  There's a children's song that asks the question, "Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the leaves are green? Do you fish in a stream, or lazily dream on the banks as the clouds go by? 

Is that what you do?" 

My answer to that would be "so do I." Well ... at least I try to. That can be a challenge as we all try to take those well-earned vacations with the family yet keep the mission going each week. It can be tough to look out the window at all the folks swimming in the pool when you're in the office cranking out reports or hosting inspectors ... or holding down the fort while others are gone with their families and enjoying some richly deserved down time. 

Taking time for family requires planning and effort, but it can be done. I've even managed to spend a few days away with my family in the Kentucky area and those times have been a great way to recharge and reconnect with the people who provide a constant source of support for me. I encourage you, and actually, require you ... to take time to do the same. 

Already we're into July and I ask that you look at your leave balance and see how much you are accumulating. I ask that you look at taking some of the time now, while we're still in preparation mode for the many events coming up in September and the fall. Once we're in execution mode, it will be tough to allow our teammates to go when we need you for the airshow, the Air Force Ball, Retiree Appreciation Day and other wing events happening around that same time frame. 

Normally that is the time when your leave will accumulate to a use-or-lose status, and I'm asking you as individuals and as commanders, supervisors and wingmen to ensure your teammates are managing their leave appropriately and wisely now. 

While they do take much needed time with families, I wish to thank those of you who are staying behind to keep supporting Scott AFB and its customers. We have teammates right now supporting the Air Mobility Command Rodeo that occurs next week at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. We have people who've been working around the clock to ensure the wing is compliant with its computer security measures. There are young Airmen doing the work of three or four due to deployments, augmentee duty or supporting others while on leave status. We have more than 700 Airmen deployed throughout the world holding the line. Thank you all for keeping your shoulder to the wheel and pressing on with our important mission. 

Part of my summer activities, along with a few quick days at Kentucky Lake, have been to prepare for a visit to Capitol Hill where I will talk with congressional leaders who have a vested interest in Scott AFB and who are in positions to assist with our continued efforts to make Scott AFB even better. 

We're talking to our nation's leaders about a few of our top priorities. One if which is the need for us to expand the James Gym. Right now the cardio rooms and gymnasium just cannot support the physical training requirements of wing/installation members. We are looking to construct more than 21,000 square feet of additional space to house a new group exercise area and more room for cardio and weight rooms, as well as expand the locker rooms. The Air Force Chief of Staff expects us all to be fit to fight, and we need year-round facilities that can accommodate this requirement. The cost to add this on would be about $10 million, so you can see why we need to ensure our leaders understand why this is important to our ability to Enable Combat Power. 

I can speak from personal experience that being fit is critical to performing our wartime missions. Anyone who's been in the war zone, wearing the Kevlar and protective gear, in the 100+ degree heat knows what I am talking about! 

Also on our list of projects is a new facility for our aeromedical evacuation squadron, which will move them from a building plagued with flooding and electrical problems, and which causes us concern should there become a mold problem due to the deteriorated conditions. Funding for this $7.4 million facility is currently being considered by Congress. Our goal is to ensure our teammates on the Hill understand how this will help us care for our wounded warriors. 

Two other projects on our scope are a new $7 million Cardinal Creek Gate entrance that will provide better access for commercial cargo and alleviate traffic congestion at existing gates, and a $15 million project to consolidate portions of U.S.Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command into one work area instead of throughout the bases in various facilities.
So, while there's precious few weeks remaining during the official summer vacation, please be sure to take time to fish in a stream or lazily dream, and then be recharged and ready to tackle the mission that keeps moving, 24/7. We're working to make sure the work and life environment here at Scott is better for you, and I'm counting on you to do your part to stay fresh, creative and energetic so we can continue to Enable Combat Power!