Winter weather remains, leadership changes

  • Published
  • By Col Wade Johnson
  • 71st Flying Training Wing
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  Team Vance -- Old Man Winter certainly showed that he is alive and well this week. I'd like to think this will be the end of winter, but it will probably not be. After all, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Monday. Keep practicing proper operational risk management with respect to the weather.
It seems like every week Vance personnel earn awards, either individually or as teams, and this week is no different. The 71st Medical Group ranked number one in the Air Force for overall score on the Surgeon General's Medical Performance Improvement metrics in 2003. No specific award goes with this, but there certainly should be one. It takes a lot of teamwork to excel in healthcare. Congratulations to everyone in the 71st Medical Group for earning top honors as the Air Force's best Medical Treatment Facility. It is that kind of commitment to excellence that puts Team Vance at the top of awards lists.
I would also like to congratulate and welcome Vance's newest commander, Lt Col Scott Reed, who now commands the 71st Operations Support Squadron.
Of course, as we welcome one new commander, we have to say goodbye to another. Lt Col Lala provided the kind of leadership that made Vance, and the Air Force, better. Best wishes to Colonel Lala and his wonderful family.
Keep in mind, Valentine's Day is right around the corner. How fortunate for all of us that the Air Force's Tops In Blue will be in town on that day. If you haven't made plans yet, I encourage everyone to go see the show. They put on a great performance and you can't beat the price.
Please fly, work and play safely!