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4th Quarter thoughts, focus areas
Posted 10/4/2012 Updated 10/4/2012
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Commentary by By Col. Chris Bargery
65th Air Base Wing commander
10/4/2012 - LAJES FIELD, Azores -- We're beginning the 2012 4th Quarter and there are exciting things happening at Lajes Field!
Most notably, the Team Lajes continues to support a number of fighter movements. Within recent days, we've all noticed the window-rattling F/A-18s, F-15Es, A-10s and tankers that have graced our ramp and kept our flightline personnel working hard.
You continue to demonstrate Lajes Field's strategic importance to America and our allies and your support to transiting aircraft and warfighters is outstanding.
October commences the 4th Quarter as Cancer Awareness Month and our community is actively raising awareness about this disease. Medical professionals and countless volunteers are organizing a variety of creative events this month - all in the name of cancer awareness.
Whether you choose to run in this Friday's "Race for a Cure 5K" or stay up all night on Oct. 26 to honor those lost to cancer during the Midnight Cancer Walk. And remember to obtain your tickets now for the popular Nov. 3 Pink Tie Gala and Silent Auction, with all proceeds benefiting the Combined Federal Campaign.
But more importantly, focus on what this month is truly about: cancer awareness, prevention, and taking care of yourself. Cancer Awareness Month is about Airmen and families bouncing back when cancer strikes.
Did you know that there's something every Airman can do to help prevent cancer? Whether it's eating healthier, quitting smoking, scheduling prostate or breast exams, or talking to your medical provider about something that seems amiss, you can save your own life.
October is also Energy Action Month and I need Airmen to think about energy conservation at every turn. The Earth's natural resources, to include coal, water, oil, and natural gas are invaluable, but unfortunately, they are also scarce.
As an Air Force - charged with maintaining the public trust in all endeavors - we should lead the way in energy conservation for our world.
Consider what you can do to better conserve energy at the office and at home. Do you really need to drive to your next meeting, or do you have time to walk? Did you fall asleep with the television on last night?
These actions might seem insignificant on a global scale. But, every action you choose or choose not to take has many secondary effects. If we all make a few positive changes to our energy habits, our world will benefit.
As we approach the holiday season, plan for a little extra giving this year as the Combined Federal Campaign continues through Nov. 16.
Team Lajes started things off right with an unheard of 'Tuff Mudder' kickoff event. The warrior spirit that I've seen among squadrons as they've held internal fundraisers is inspiring. Military service requires giving more than what's expected of us - service before self.
People the world over have simple needs; needs that we can help fulfill. So take a look at where you can sacrifice a couple dollars each month and contribute to the CFC.
In closing I want to comment on the tremendous relationship that we share with our Portuguese hosts.
Last weekend we celebrated the Air Force Ball and the Air Force's 65th Birthday alongside leadership from Headquarters Azores Air Zone and Air Base 4. It's fitting that Maj. Gen. Ruivo, Col. Ferreira, and Col. Faria joined us because every single operation and decision that's made at Lajes Field is done so through American and Portuguese cooperation.
Our mission at Lajes Field is meaningful, our people are outstanding, and our future is bright.
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