95th ABW commander's call addresses base future

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William O'Brien
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 95th Air Base Wing commander held a commander's call Sept. 4 at the base theater.

Col. Jerry Gandy addressed base issues, including the upcoming unit compliance inspection, concerns from the town hall meeting, energy efficiency, setting standards, 101 critical days of summer and the completion of the main runway.

"The unit compliance inspection will give us a good chance to see how we're doing," said Colonel Gandy. "It is an opportunity to show we're doing what the Air Force needs us to do on a day-to-day basis."

Team Edwards will have its UCI from 9-22 January 2009. The inspection assesses areas mandated by law as well as mission areas identified by senior Air Force and Air Force Material Command leadership as critical or important to the health and performance of the unit.
"The inspection will be a good opportunity to show the Air Force the base's effectiveness," Colonel Gandy said. "During the inspection, everyone must be ready to show enthusiasm and have a sense of urgency."

The Colonel also addressed Edwards' energy conservation effort.

"We spend $20 million a year on electricity," said Colonel Gandy. "Money we save on electricity costs can be put into our community to improve quality of life here. It's the simple things that will make the difference. Turning off lights and televisions when they're not being used will lower our annual energy costs." Colonel Gandy pointed to some success in this area by explaining that June of this year showed a 7 percent reduction in energy costs as compared to June of last year.

He also discussed setting standards for everyone. He said everyone needs to set the bar high and live up to that standard.

In addition, Colonel Gandy talked about safety. This included speeding on base, specifically in areas with children. He reminded everyone speeding is an unnecessary risk because of the harm it could do.

"Speeding shouldn't be a problem in areas where our children are walking to school," he said. "Everyone's accountable for making the choice to obey the speed limit or for not obeying it, but those who don't will be accountable for their actions."

Colonel Gandy also talked about the base's success during the 101 critical days of summer. The base had no cases of death, suicide or driving under the influence.

"The 101 critical days of summer went well," he said. "Everyone was accountable and practiced good risk management."

He also talked about the runway construction, which will be finished 45 to 60 days ahead of schedule; the $103 million runway construction process refurbished the deteriorating main runway. The ground work for this construction began in January 2007.

Colonel Gandy concluded the commander's call by providing us his secret to success.

"Remember: be, know, do," he said. "Be a person of good character, know your job and be competent in it. Never be satisfied with not knowing something, work hard to understand it, and finally, do the right thing. Nobody can ask for more or expect any less."