Boswell conducts first commander’s calls

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Hailey Staker
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Less than a month after taking command of the 28th Bomb Wing,  Col. Gentry Boswell conducted his first commander's calls July 2 in the base Pride Hangar.

Boswell used the time to outline his priorities and expectations for the nation's largest B-1 combat wing and discuss key issues. 

"We're in a period of tremendous change," Boswell said. "We're at a peak in our cycle of change as units are deploying/redeploying, our Airmen and commanders are transitioning in the height of the PCS season and the base prepares to shift from Air Combat Command to Air Force Global Strike Command. Throughout all of this change, I can tell you that our strategic objectives, priorities and culture are not going to change."

While the global landscape around us is evolving, the colonel reaffirmed our priorities of maintaining night one sustainable strike capability, forging resiliency of the base Airmen and their families, and employing new and emerging technologies remain unchanged.

Speaking on a variety of topics, Boswell stressed the importance of fostering a healthy environment for every member of the wing, reinforcing the zero-tolerance policy against sexual assault, discrimination, and drug abuse.

"There is no room in our family for sexual assault, discrimination, or harassment - any unprofessional behavior is unacceptable," Boswell said.

The colonel was quick to note that there are options for people who may be faced with those issues when they feel they are dealing with an unprofessional or unhealthy environment.

"There are avenues that are open to every member of this wing if they have a concern - first and foremost is always the chain of command," Boswell said. "However, if any member of this wing feels that is not a viable option they always have the right to use both the wing Inspector General and their respective congressional avenues. Those are guaranteed by law and no one can take those rights away from you."

Intent on arming his Airmen with information they need to help them professionally and personally, Boswell teamed up with Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Peterson, 28th BW command chief, to highlight upcoming changes to the Air Force enlisted evaluation system, and Lt. Col. Jason Beckman, 28th BW chief of safety, to stress the importance of safety and assessing the risks of activities like boating, hiking, traveling and outdoor activities as we dive deeper into summer.

"Remember [to], work smart and work hard, and play smart, play hard," Boswell said. "Risk management should be a key tool in every Airman's kit both on and off duty."

In closing, Boswell stressed the importance of planning ahead and practicing the wingman concept of looking out for one another in all settings.

"Airmen, alcohol and no plan is always a formula for disaster," he said, stressing that alcohol was a factor in several Air Force fatalities this year, and an all too common theme. "Each of you must always remember to take care of yourself and the Airmen around you."