Wing commander conducts commander’s call

  • Published
  • By Airman Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander, hosted two commander's calls for all Ellsworth Airmen at the Pride Hangar March 8.

During each session he covered a variety of topics, but focused on a few key issues; safety, 0-1-3, preparation for the upcoming exercises and the operational readiness inspection coming later this spring.

Weatherington spoke about the importance of safety and how Airmen on base should go out and enjoy themselves, but also consider their safety and that of those around them.

"It's a gorgeous day outside and there are a lot of great activities to do in the Black Hills," said Weatherington. "I want everyone to be safe, think about what they are doing and practice proper risk management."

The colonel then focused on the 0-1-3 responsible drinking educational campaign, introduced as a guideline for sensible drinking.

"We had 30 incidents involving Ellsworth Airmen driving under the influence last year and half of them were twice the legal limit," said Weatherington. "Thankfully, no one on base or from the community was hurt, but we want to make sure we reduce alcohol related incidents."

Weatherington added that 0-1-3 is a guideline not a guarantee. The purpose of the program is to help Airmen understand what a healthy lifestyle entails and raise awareness for responsible drinking.

Though the theme of the campaign is responsible drinking, the message still goes out to all Airmen regardless of age, who might spend time with friends who drink.

"I don't like to get too much in my friend's business," said Airman 1st Class Brett Carrico, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron jet propulsion technician who attended the afternoon commander's call. "But If I see that they're out of it, I'll give them a ride and make sure they get home safely."

The final portion of the commander's calls centered on the upcoming ORI slated for April 22 to 27.

"Forty-four days from today the Inspector General team arrives at Ellsworth," said Weatherington. "I'm confident that we're ready, but I know that there are areas that we need to improve on and press forward."

Additionally, he added that every Airman can make a difference during the inspection, and that it's everyone's responsibility to take initiative and ensure the ORI is a success.

"Everybody has to play their part, it's a team effort," said Airman 1st Class Robert Collins, 28th Communications Squadron cyber systems technician who attended the afternoon commander's call. "If we want to pass this inspection, everyone has to give it their best."

Weatherington then ended the call by thanking the base Airmen for all of their hard work and dedication.