Wright-Patt had much to be proud about in 2015

  • Published
  • By Col. John M. Devillier
  • Commander, 88th Air Base Wing
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  As we turn the page of our calendar to 2016, we need to remain focused on why we serve, "to support and defend the Constitution of the United States..." and all this stands for -- thank you for what you do each and every day, I'm proud to serve with you! 

As an installation, we have accomplished significant milestones for our U.S. Air Force, our Department of Defense, and our nation.  Over the last year the Life Cycle Management Center scored a major milestone on the new KC-46 refueling aircraft and the Rapid Development Integration Facility was identified for its work in saving more than $150 million for their customers! 

The National Museum of the United States Air Force broke ground on their fourth building, which is slated for a June 2016 grand opening.  The Air Force Research Lab cut the ribbon on their third super computer and is continually developing new technologies to include potentially life-saving portable door locks, which may provide facilities additional layers of security. 

If the above wasn't enough, the National Air and Space Intelligence Center broke ground on a new foreign material exploitation facility, the Air Force Institute of Technology graduated 211 master degree students while undergoing re-accreditation and the 445th Airlift Wing flew over 1,300 sorties  -- moving over 9,000 passengers and more than 23,000 tons of cargo.  Under pinning all of these successes, the 88th Air Base Wing provided critical base operating support to these mission partners and more than 100 more! 

Considering all of these major accomplishments, it is important to realize that at any given moment you or someone you support could be "the most important person in our Air Force."  Therefore, we each have to perform our mission to the utmost of our ability because we just do not know when this moment may arise or how our actions can have a ripple effect across the installation, our Air Force, the Department of Defense, and our nation.  

Sometimes it can be difficult, especially with our continued budget challenges, the uncertainty of world events, and our limited resources.
However, if we perform our individual roles to the best of our ability and perform with a positive attitude daily, we'll each be ready for that moment when we may be or may be supporting "the most important person in our Air Force."

While your day-to-day efforts may sometimes seem routine, they contribute to the overall success of our missions on base and across our nation.  What you do matters - you matter. 

Our Air Force is built on everyday Airman -- this is you, the person next to you, and the person down range.   Your dedication, selflessness, and resilience are what make you the most important person in our Air Force.  Thank you for serving our nation, and here's to a successful 2016!