Fall Fest, care packages bring VAFB smiles Published Jan. 22, 2007 By Col Mike Callan 71st Flying Training Wing Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- Team Vance -- we are blessed to have a proactive logistics readiness squadron! It was great to see so many Team Vance families at Wednesday's Fall Fest. The LRS, along with several volunteers, put together a great array of sponsors and food that put a smile on everyone's face I saw (despite the inclement weather that rapidly approached the base from the northwest). My thanks to Maj Robin Hill and the entire LRS team for putting such a first class act together for the entire base population. LRS continues to shine when this Saturday at 2 p.m. they will host a ceremony where we will formally open our new paintball field (located beside the golf range area). Some of the base's younger population are very excited to have this finally open, and although I admit to never having played the sport, the joy of innocently pelting someone with a small paintball may help some of you bring down your stress and/or blood pressure. I hope to see all of you there on Saturday as we open the paintball range to Team Vance personnel. Next, let me remind all of us that we currently have eight Team Vance personnel deployed in support of our expeditionary U.S. Air Force and representing Vance Air Force Base with professionalism, skill and dedication to our nation and its core values. As I reminded the wing leadership at this week's staff meeting, I challenge all of you to keep your co-workers in your thoughts at all times and prove it to them by getting involved in their deployment. Specifically, take a photo of their desk/office/co-workers and send them an e-mail wishing them the very best and for their speedy and safe return. Nothing puts a smile on a deployed member's face quicker than a care package from home (and it's so easy to do) -- take the time to throw some cookies, photos and small items from Vance AFB together and send it to them today -- they will appreciate the thought "big time" and it will make their deployment go that much faster knowing you cared. While the overall wing was very safe during last week's three-day weekend, we did have one lapse of judgment in the operations group involving alcohol, which was totally avoidable. Another example of a "designated driver" plan that failed to ensure the use of alcohol could be used responsibly, and is most disturbing to see after repeated reminders to the contrary. Please learn from these recent mistakes and don't let this happen to you and you career -- your wingman can save your life so have a plan that's fool proof or don't use alcohol! As the temperatures continue to fall, please stay vigilant to your safety and the safety of your co-workers. Chief Jeff Kallas and I continue to be impressed by your warrior spirit, and the great job Team Vance is doing to keep our nation free. Enjoy your weekend and be safe!