Bird's Eye View: Wildlife invades neighborhoods

  • Published
  • By Col. Bryan J. Gallagher
  • 95th Air Base Wing commander
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Living in the middle of the desert, we have the luxury of seeing a variety of wildlife - from the occasional coyote sighting to the 20 rabbits sitting in your neighbor's yard at night. 

As the original inhabitants of this land, these wild animals sometimes come into our neighborhoods, seeking either shelter or food sources; unfortunately, not all of them are cotton-tail rabbits. 

There are some dangerous species out there, including the Mojave green rattlesnake, scorpions, and bobcats. 

As residents of this area, it is up to us to make sure these animals don't go where they are not welcome - in our homes. To help with this, please keep your garage doors closed when you are not working in them. Also, make sure you keep your home's doors closed and trash can lids secured. These simple precautions should keep the wildlife out of your home. 

If you do spot a wild animal in your neighborhood, leave it alone. However, if it poses a threat to you or your family, call the wildlife division of the 95th Security Forces Squadron at 277-7139 or the law enforcement desk at 277-3340.

Learn the Airmen's Creed 

Two months ago, Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the Air Force chief of staff, introduced the Airman's Creed to provide Airmen a tangible statement of beliefs that resonates with every Airman. 

So, do you know it yet? 

Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis, our 95th Air Base Wing command chief, and I believe the Airman's Creed is something every Airman should know by heart. The chief and I have made and continue to make impromptu visits to your workplaces, and the chief has been known to ask people about the Airman's Creed. 

So, if you don't know the Airman's Creed just yet, I challenge you to learn it. Think about what it means to you and how it relates to your service to the United States.

Center of Excellence lease signed 

On June 15, I had the pleasure of taking part in the lease signing ceremony for the Center of Excellence. The lease, which will cost the Air Force only $1 per year, was approved by the Muroc Joint Unified School District board of trustees the day before culminating the efforts of Col. Mike Woolley, 95th Mission Support Group commander; Dr. Rob Challinor, superintendent of MJUSD; and their staffs in turning this concept into reality. 

Located at the old Edwards Middle School campus on Payne Avenue, the Center of Excellence will serve as a continuing education center for adults and a place for tutoring and mentoring for middle school and high school students. 

For only $1 per year, I think we've made a wonderful investment in our children's educational development. We plan to provide the tutoring and vocational training through volunteers from various base organizations such as the Junior Force Council and the Company Grade Officers Council. The Family Child Care office is moving in now, vacating their offices next to Bailey Elementary School 

Ultimately, this is a win-win situation for the students and the base. Students have a place to go to before and after school, and the base has the opportunity to train young people to become its future engineers. 

This is a great accomplishment for our base, and I look forward to updating you on its progress in the upcoming months!