Changes on horizon: keep focused Published Nov. 28, 2006 By Col. Wade Johnson 71st Flying Training Wing Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- Team Vance -- I hope everyone was able to make it out to the Mark Price Arena last night to see Tops in Blue, the U.S. Air Force's premier entertainers. This group does such a tremendous job. I have seen them perform several times throughout my career. The shows and the performers just keep getting better and last night's show was the finest I have seen. And talk about expeditionary; these talented young men and women have an intense schedule visiting not only the United States, but 22 foreign countries, and they put on more than 150 shows, very impressive. I mentioned in last week's article that I am glad to be back in America and back home with my family, but I am also very glad to be back at Vance Air Force Base to witness all the exciting changes that are taking place right before all of our eyes. It will bring me great pleasure to hand out keys for brand new, state-of-the-art homes to our Airmen as the first phase of the housing construction project will finally be complete this summer. I want to personally thank all the Airmen and their families who have waited so patiently throughout this long process. Being the northern tier Air Education and Training Command base definitely brings with it our share of winter weather, and I know there have been several weather delays that we unfortunately cannot control. I know several of you have probably decided to wait until the road construction project to extend the front gate is finished before you wash your car again; the thick layer of dirt covering the road has become a mainstay since the project began. Again, I thank you for your patience during this period of transition and I remind you all to focus on the end result which is a much more secure base to live and work. I am disappointed to report that we have had some alcohol related incidents recently. A few Team Vance members have made some very bad decisions regarding the use of alcohol and still other Team Vance members have failed to take their wingman responsibilities seriously. The good news is; we have not lost the life of anyone because of these bad decisions. The bad news is; these Airmen's poor choices put our mission at risk. Our mission is too important, and each and every person here is vital to the success of it. We cannot afford to lose anyone because of bad decisions and irresponsible wingmen. We have a three-day weekend upon us, and I am looking forward to enjoying some down time as much as you. If you are going to drink, be of appropriate age and drink responsibly. Before you start drinking, have a sound plan in place to get you home safely. Thank you for your continued hard work and dedication Team Vance and have a great weekend.