Four topics covered at commander's call

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Nathan Gallahan
  • 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 Oct. 26, 2011.

During each session he covered four topics; winter weather, DUIs, preparation for the operational readiness inspection and the upcoming goal day. He also fielded a few questions at the end before closing the call.

"If you haven't noticed over the last couple days, it's getting cold out--winter is coming and it's going to be tough," he said. "It's going to challenge your motivation and your ability to get the job done, but I know we're going to get through it."

He told everyone how important it is to look out for their fellow friends and coworkers while on and off duty. He then brought up his second topic, driving under the influence. Ellsworth racked up 30 DUIs in 2010 and has 22 so far in 2011.

"We need your help in making good decisions, to have a plan, be a wingman and use a wingman," he said. "Be responsible, have a plan and follow through."

After DUIs were discussed, the upcoming ORI took center stage. It's approximately six months away, and the commander said it's time for the wing to put its game face on.

"We want to show the inspectors how we safely and professionally generate airpower and deploy Airmen and equipment," he said. "We don't have many [operational readiness exercises] planned, so we need to come out of the gates strong."

To do this, he discussed his four keys to a successful ORI:
ATTITUDE | Hustle and have a can-do attitude. Airmen should never argue with inspectors because that's their job. If there's a problem, discuss it with your supervisors.
BE PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE | It's each individual's responsibility to be excellent. It's their equipment, it's their knowledge. Airmen need to pay attention to all of the little things and feel responsible for the team's success.
CONCENTRATE ON CORE TASKS | 28th BW Airmen need to concentrate 90 percent of the time on the core ORI tasks (safely and professionally generating aircraft and deploying airmen and equipment).
MAKE A DIFFERENCE | Every Airman will have a chance to make a difference during the inspection.

The final topic of the commander's call was greeted with overwhelming applause-the goal day scheduled for Oct. 31, the first goal day the wing has earned in nine years.

"We're getting this goal day because you've done an incredible job for the past six months--and I really appreciate that," he said. "Over the past six months, we've seen an aviation package rotation, constant jet swaps, a runway closure and numerous inspections ... you have done an incredible job and please take some well deserved time and spend it safely with your friends and family."

He then opened the floor to questions, one of which was whether there were any distinguished visitors coming. He announced the Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz will be visiting in May 2012 to celebrate Ellsworth's 70th Anniversary. He was also asked when the fence would be going up between the base and Centennial Housing. He said the goal is to have it up in the spring of 2012, but there are a lot of challenges that need to be overcome before it can be built.

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