Welcome to Vance -- it is a pleasure to meet you

  • Published
  • By Col. Mike McDaniel
  • 71st Mission Support Group Commander
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  When you meet one of the 560 new military and civilian personnel who report to Vance each year, what is the first thing you say after greeting them with words similar to those in the title of this article?

I'm sure the specific words vary. However, I hope you say something along the lines of, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

We all know that first impressions are very important. We only have one chance to get it right. Doing so successfully can make a huge difference in someone's impression of Team Vance and set the stage for a wonderful transition and tour.

Even after more than 22 years in the Air Force and 11 permanent change of stations, my family and I were nervous about moving to small town America. We knew almost nothing about Oklahoma, Enid or Vance, leading us to wonder what we were about to experience.

Immediately upon arrival, however, the warm welcome from countless Team Vance members and Enid America residents focused our thoughts. We quickly realized our time here was destined to be filled with wonderful memories.

From Day One, Team Vance leaders and spouses, the lodging staff, the Airman & Family Readiness Center team, the Landings at Vance housing staff and numerous individuals from Enid -- to name a small few -- provided an excellent first impression and made our transition the best possible.

Without exception, every person we met was outstanding and quickly made us feel at home.
So, what is my point? Quite simply, we all share a duty to make everyone's first impression of Vance and Enid America the best possible. We must consider ourselves ambassadors of not only the Air Force, but also Team Vance and the Enid community.

I believe we should intentionally go out of our way to make everyone feel welcome, appreciated and a valuable member of the team. Failure to do so, even by just a single person, can undermine the wonderful efforts of many and, unfortunately, hinder transition and integration of valuable individuals and families into the Vance team.

This responsibility is sometimes a challenge. At times, the stresses of the job and life in general get us down and make it difficult to always put on our "best face." However, nothing worth doing is always easy and we need to work extra hard to ensure we fulfill this vital responsibility.

I commit to doing my best to perpetuate the wonderful first and lasting positive impression given my family. I ask that you do your best to do the same.

With this in mind, I commit to each of you the resources of the 71st Mission Support Group team to make your first impression and transition the best possible.

From the first time you pull up to the front gate and show a Defender your I.D., to your experience with lodging and arranging delivery of your household goods, we owe you the best first and lasting impression possible.

From helping you set up your computer to providing places to spend down time like the bowling center, fitness center or pool, the 71st Mission Support Group is dedicated to making a lasting, positive impression at your arrival and throughout your entire assignment.

Please let me know how we are doing. I love to hear good news stories and I take recommendations for improvement seriously. Send me an email anytime -- I'm in the global. Put the word "Impression" at the beginning of the subject line so I can easily identify your message.

Finally, thank you all for the wonderful first impressions. My family and I are happy to be here. I hope we can return the favor and continue the high standard of caring that is evident in Team Vance and Enid America.