Colonel sees exciting times for the open minded

  • Published
  • By Daryl Mayer
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio --  Check any number of surveys of what job seekers value most and job satisfaction always lands at the top of the list. It seems the chance to do work that is challenging and rewarding is a powerful force.

It's a force Col. Rick Bachmann, 711th Human Performance Wing vice director, hopes to capitalize on to help more employees affected by BRAC make the decision to follow their work to Wright-Patterson.

"My true goal is that everyone makes an informed decision rather than an emotional one," Colonel Bachmann said.

Much of the work slated to move here is highly specialized aerospace medicine education, consultation and research. The people currently in those positions may possibly be the only person in the country doing that specific type of work. It is a unique opportunity that many find very rewarding and challenging.

"I know there are people who are working in their area and they are the national or international expert in that niche," said Colonel Bachmann. "What I have to tell them is if you want to continue in that niche, fine, we want to keep you. But your niche is moving to Wright-Patterson."

Having made the same move from Texas to Ohio in July himself, he understands the implications. While it is true a military member has to go where he is told, there are always options available.

"Military people can separate, retire or ask for a different assignment. I didn't need to pursue any of those - I was very excited and honored to come to Wright-Patt and be a part of the interesting, challenging work taking place in this wing right here, right now," the colonel said. "We are setting up new programs, building relationships with local scientific, technical, medical and educational facilities. We are building something new here and it is really exciting to be a part of it."

While challenging work is an important factor, there are others, especially when an entire family is making the move.

"It seems Dayton's weather and climate frequently come up as a concern for our folks in Arizona and Texas, but I remind people that Ohio is lucky to have four distinct seasons and it is green here," he said. "I know winter and snow can be daunting for those who've never had to deal with them. We lived in Alaska and Michigan for several years. I'm not concerned about snow in Dayton - in fact, I'm looking forward to it."

The colonel encouraged people truly interested in moving, but reluctant because of weather to make a trip during the different seasons and see for themselves. He believes they would find that the weather in the Miami Valley, particularly winter, is actually quite mild.

Visitors, he said, might also be surprised to learn that Dayton is at the nexus of three major metropolitan areas with Columbus and Cincinnati, a one-hour drive east and south respectively, and Indianapolis, a 90-minute drive west.

"Even beyond the city of Dayton itself, which offers a lot of activities, you have those cities a short drive away," he said. "If you have the opportunity to travel, it's great to have four major airports to choose from."

On the personal front, just getting a new house led to a welcome addition.

"Many of the houses here have basements, so I was glad to finally get my stuff out of the garage and actually put cars in it. We also got to set up our trampoline on the green grass in the yard for the children to play on."

There are scores of reasons, both pro and con, about making a move of this nature, but it really comes down to a balance of the professional and the personal.

"My hope is people will not just dismiss moving out of hand, but rather make a reasoned decision based on the facts that are important to them and their family members," he said. "Wright-Patterson is an exciting, professionally challenging place to work and the Miami Valley is a great place to live. Just ask someone who lives here!"