Stay safe, be prepared

  • Published
  • By Col. Bryan Benson
  • 71st Flying Training Wing
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  Congratulations Team Vance for returning safely from the well-deserved long and, hopefully, restful weekend. Our safety record shows you are continuing to make smart decisions and are using your wingman.
As we near the midpoint of the Operation Summer Survival Xtreme Challenge program, it's imperative we continue to focus on those basic safety principles. We'll be demanding more of our bodies, both mentally and physically, as the weather remains hot and the Operational Readiness Inspection draws closer.
To properly prepare for and execute the mission, we need to ensure we respect the demands placed on our bodies during this period. Stay well hydrated, heed the Black Flag conditions and take advantage of the indoor programs offered at the fitness center to continue to stay "Fit to Fight."
Speaking of the ORI drawing close, although we're just over 30 days away from the inspection, our first "look" comes in the form of the Air Education and Training Command Inspector General Advance echelon, or ADVON, team visit from Wednesday to July 15. The team will be looking at our base and the local conditions in terms of what support is available and if there are any unique challenges for their IG team.
While this is not an "inspection" per se, it is an opportunity to create a favorable impression and the ADVON team will be taking mental notes. I'm confident that Team Vance will present its typical outstanding military image. Take one more opportunity to make sure your uniforms are sharp, you are wearing authorized patches in the proper places, you render proper customs and courtesies and your participation in exercises comes with a sense of urgency and realism.
Team Vance also continues its summer makeover with this week's retirement of Lt. Col. Dan Richard, our director of staff, and the arrival of Chief Master Sgt. Jim Suttles, our wing command chief, and his family.
Please take time to thank "Rocket" for 22 years of devoted service at his retirement ceremony at 3 p.m. today at the Vance Club, as well as welcome Chief Suttles during an icebreaker from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday at the club.
Have a great and safe weekend and thanks for all you do.