28th BW commander gathers Airmen, discusses winter safety, core values

Col. Gentry Boswell, 28th Bomb Wing commander, addresses Airmen at an all call at the Pride Hangar at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 3, 2015. Boswell touched on winter safety, wing accomplishments, future operations and his thoughts for the next year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Donald C. Knechtel/Released)

28th BW commander gathers Airmen, discusses winter safety, core values

Chief Master Sgt. Sonia Lee, 28th Bomb Wing command chief, addresses Airmen at an all call at the Pride Hangar at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 3, 2015. Lee discussed the importance of the Air Force core values and how upholding them can assist with accepting change and finding solutions to issues the wing and Air Force is facing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Donald C. Knechtel/Released)

28th BW commander gathers Airmen, discusses winter safety, core values

Chief Master Sgt. Sonia Lee, 28th Bomb Wing command chief, addresses Team Ellsworth at an all call at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 3, 2015. Lee touched on what the Air Force core values mean to her and discussed her personnelist background, transition to the bomber community and family. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hailey R. Staker/Released)

28th BW commander gathers Airmen, discusses winter safety, core values

Published Dec. 4, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Denise Nevins
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Col. Gentry Boswell, 28th Bomb Wing commander, and base leadership gathered with Team Ellsworth to discuss winter safety and holiday travel, Air Force core values, and to recognize top performers Dec. 3.

Lt. Col. Jason Beckman, 28th BW chief of safety, started the event by providing a winter safety brief.

"During the winter, everyone should be cautious [when] driving and walking, and be prepared for winter holiday travel," Beckman said.

Additionally, Airmen should check the weather along the route of travel, get a proper amount of sleep prior to driving, and keep a winter weather emergency kit in their vehicle, he recommended.

Following the safety brief, Chief Master Sgt. Sonia Lee, 28th BW command chief, took the stage.

She discussed her family, Air Force core values, and recent transition into the bomber world as a command chief.

"I wanted to let you all know that I am a chief, and I'm here for everybody," Lee said. "This about a team."

Following a video on the core values, the chief touched on what they mean to her and how they can affect not only a career but an Airman's life.

"There are a few things I want us to take from that video," she added. "Excellence is not perfection, and understand we are asking you to give your best, but we are not asking you to be perfect. Integrity is not sainthood; we are all going to make mistakes. Finally, selflessness does not mean you don't matter."

In addition to restating the importance of winter safety, Boswell took the opportunity to recognize exceptional performers.

He presented Maj. Erik Marcov, 28th Munitions Squadron commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Donald Butler, 28th MUNS superintendent, with the Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez Award for Air Combat Command's best munitions squadron.

The commander also recognized Airman 1st Class Jakob Meaney, 28th Security Forces Squadron response force member, who won Best Security Forces M4 Shooter for the Air Force Global Strike Challenge.

"This happens when the core values are executed," Boswell added. "This is what it means to be excellent, being able to show up to work every day and make a difference."

Boswell concluded by discussing resiliency and future operations for the wing.

"I am extremely proud of who you all are and what you do," he said. "We are a very unique base with incredible Airmen who work every day to make our mission happen."