New wing commander outlines expectations Published Aug. 8, 2014 By Amy Rollins Skywrighter Staff WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Oh. -- The initial pair of commander's calls by Col. John Devillier, 88th Air Base Wing commander, saw him outline his personal background, top 10 priorities and fiscal outlook for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and remind personnel about the upcoming Command Cyber Readiness Inspection. He also continued familiar themes of safety, force management and public/ private partnerships. Devillier conducted calls July 31 at the Wright-Patterson Medical Center and the base theater in Kittyhawk Center, where the colonel also presented quarterly awards to 88ABW personnel. He began by sharing details about himself: a colonel with 21 years of service; a military dependent whose father was a retired chief master sergeant; a native of Louisiana; husband to his high school sweetheart; father of three daughters ages 20, 15 and 11; and a huge college football fan. He and his family have undergone permanent changes of station moves 12 times in 21 years. Prior to this command, he served as commander, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base, Del. "I have the best job in the Air Force at the best base in the Air Force," Devillier said. He thanked personnel for their individual contributions that, when added together, support more than 100 mission partners at Wright-Patterson AFB. "We are mission enablers," he said. "Whatever you do, consider how you fit into the mission and never underestimate how important you are to the mission." Top 10 priorities plus one Devillier said base safety and security are his number one priority. He also touched on treating one another with dignity, honor and respect and honoring the Air Force's core values. He expanded upon the need to be individual stewards of national resources, pointing out that the nation's debt is a national security concern. "Individually, we all play a part," the colonel said. "Turn off your lights, use your resources wisely. Don't think of it as the government's money. It's our dollars." Another priority is to ensure that people in leadership positions understand the importance of outlining their expectations and providing documented feedback to subordinates. In turn, subordinates should demand feedback if it is not provided. The colonel also encouraged personnel to have a positive attitude and display initiative. His "plus one" priority, he said, is to have fun and maintain balance in one's life. Fiscal outlook Devillier said he anticipates some financial stability in fiscal 2015, but the effects of the Budget Control Act/sequestration will greatly affect fiscal 2016. He encourages individual acts of frugality to help save and redirect monies for fixing base infrastructure. The colonel said that any force management programs impact installation support and manpower reductions, coupled with fiscal constraints, require us to look for opportunities "outside the wire." Partnering with area communities on various resources and services that are mutually beneficial to both could save money. Inspection Devillier highlighted the upcoming Command Cyber Readiness Inspection scheduled for Sept. 8-12. "This inspection is assessing our ability to keep the bad guys off our network," he said. "We all have a part in it." He encourages the base's workforce to reboot computers daily so network updates may be made and to control common access cards. "You enable the intellectual capital of the U.S. Air Force," he said. "There are some very simple things we can all do to help our professionals do their job of protecting our network." Devillier thanked those in attendance for their work and what they do daily. "Be proud of what you do here," he said. "Hold your head up high every day because this installation will not function without the 88th Air Base Wing."