Commander presents awards, addresses future

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William A. O'Brien
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  During a commander's call in the base theater, Col. Jerry Gandy, 95th Air Base Wing commander, presented awards and discussed some upcoming events Oct. 29.

The commander's call opened with the presentation of the Army Commendation Medal to Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Marrero, for her accomplishments during OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM in September 2009.

Following the presentation of the Army Commendation Medal, Recipients of Air Force Materiel Command Awards were recognized.

To kickoff the briefing, Colonel Gandy discussed the importance of all personnel to the accomplishment of the mission as America's primer flight test center.

"Could anybody remind me again what we do this for, why we're all here," asked Colonel Gandy. "Edwards provides developmental test for our nation. We provide the support that makes that testing possible. That developmental test makes the weapons of war perfect. It's a great mission and each of you should be proud of it. You do something no other Air Force base in our nation does; you make the weapons of war perfect."

Integrity was the colonel's next topic. He explained why integrity is an important topic for him and that he likes to remind everyone of it once a year.

"I don't think we have a problem with lack of integrity, this is just my chance to foot-stomp this," said Colonel Gandy.

Colonel Gandy explained why integrity is so important in the military, telling his Airmen without it they cannot survive.

"You can be accused of many things and still survive, but you cannot survive (in the military) with a lack of integrity," said Colonel Gandy. "One thing exists in our military; I wake up every morning and come to work and I don't have to worry about people's motives. I don't have to worry about organizations trying to make profits. There's nothing that's driving bad behavior. This helps us build trust, trust is what builds teamwork and teamwork is what wins."

He concluded this topic by telling everyone to keep themselves in check by reaching back to their moral touchstone and doing what they know in their heart is the right thing and reminding them that regardless of rank or position they made an agreement to protect this country.

"You need to have some kind of moral touchstone. You need to find something inside you that tells you the right thing to do and you have to have the courage to do it, regardless of everything else," he said. "A covenant is an agreement to either do or not do a specified task. It implies commitment. That commitment starts at the heart and is tested by actions. Each person in here has a covenant relationship with our nation."

Following the colonel was Peter Smith, Rosburg Fitness Center director. He spoke about the revised Air Force fitness program and how his staff could help Airmen of all fitness levels to prepare for this test.

"60 percent of your score is the run," said Mr. Smith. "If any of you are having any problems we have a brand new fitness center staff, and every single one of them comes to us with an advanced degree in kinesiology, exercise physiology, sports medicine and strength and conditioning. If you need help that is what we're here for. Come over and see us and we will help you. We will get you going in the right direction."

With the holiday season right around the corner, John Kalita Air Force Flight Test Center ground safety specialist, spoke to the audience about various safety issues that are prevalent during the holidays.

"During the holiday season, the most frequent mishap is overdoing it when driving," said Mr. Kalita. "If you're planning a trip and it takes two days, make sure it takes two days. Don't try to do all the driving in one day so you can get there faster and have more time for fun. Make a plan and stick to it."

Mr. Kalita continued by explaining some holiday fire prevention methods.

"During Christmas time, when you're decorating with lights, don't put outdoor only lights on your Christmas tree and don't use indoor only lights to decorate outside. If your Christmas tree dries up, get rid of it. All of those present potential fire hazards."

To close the event, Colonel Gandy asked everyone what they stood for and what they believe others will remember them for. He also discussed with everyone the importance of earning what has been done for them and thanked them for coming.

"I would like to thank everyone for taking time out of their busy schedules to come here today," said the colonel.

Other topics discussed by the commander were the air show and the Voluntary Protection Program.