Team Vance joins nation in mourning loss Published Jan. 11, 2007 By Col Mike Callan 71st Flying Training Wing Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- Team Vance -- our nation today mourns the loss of a former President! As the entire base is aware, former President Ronald Reagan passed away last Saturday. In remembrance of his contributions to our nation, President Bush has designated today as a National Day of Mourning. The base chapel is planning a Memorial Service for the former President at 11:30 a.m. today, and Team Vance is invited to attend! With Phase 1 of our Elam Road construction project now complete, we've begun Phase 2, and while painful, it will all be worth it when complete! All 54 military base houses identified in Phase 1 of our base housing upgrade have been demolished, and with good weather hopefully continuing through the summer, we'll continue making good progress toward completion next spring. At this week's staff meeting, we were all reminded by new Air and Space Expeditionary Force guidance that future deployments are going to increase to 120 days, and Team Vance will remain a supporting force to that effort! We currently have more than 25 Team Vance personnel deployed in harm's way, so I speak for their families when I ask for your continued prayers for their safe return. Vance Air Force Base is committed to assisting our deployed personnel's family in any way necessary, as we will continue to maintain an expeditionary mindset and mentally, physically and spiritually prepare ourselves for possible deployment in the future. Team Vance's commitment to safety is obvious -- our 101 Critical Days of Summer is off to a great start so please keep making those smart decisions! Have a great and safe weekend!