Thank you Vance, Enid community

  • Published
  • By Col. Wade Johnson
  • 71st Flying Training Wing
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  The first thing I noticed when I returned from my recent deployment at the end of January was that it was colder here than Iraq. That was just fine with me. I was in Oklahoma. I was in America. I'll take the United States of America any day, no matter what the temperature.
As I came through the Harriston Gate on Jan. 18, I was pleasantly surprised to see a big crowd of Vance warriors gathered to greet me and say "welcome home!" I should not have been surprised in the least, because that is exactly the way you treat people, with warm and welcoming arms.
From the time I received my rather short notice assignment to Tallil Air Base, Iraq, the whole Vance/Enid community was very supportive. The 71st Medical Group, 71st Mission Support Group, the 71st Operations Group and the Wing Staff Agencies all took the time to make sure I deployed with everything I needed.
One of the first things I did after taking command of the 407th at Tallil was direct a 100 percent equipment accountability for each individual assigned there. I did not want a 'show me your green C-bag' inspection, so the first sergeants and civil engineer readiness representatives went through each individual's deployment gear. I had everything I was supposed to have and so did the three 71st FTW personnel that deployed there with me. Not every base sent people as well prepared as Vance did.
So, I would like to thank all of Team Vance -- military, civilians and contractors -- for the attention to detail and the kindness you displayed as I was preparing to leave.
Of course, that support did not stop after I left for the area of operations. I received notes, letters and care packages throughout the entire rotation from military, family members and civilians in Enid. I did not go without Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas decorations in my dusty little office. That may not seem like much, but that kind of thoughtfulness made many of my days brighter. When you feel like you are a million miles from home, little reminders of home help a lot.
At Tallil, the services squadron and the chaplains organized a cookie drive (from home units) so we could have first class Thanksgiving and Christmas parties. I received two very big boxes of cookies and other treats that were home-made by the Vance/Enid community. Thank you to the multiple people who took the time to remember us when we were deployed.
Naturally, the Team Vance professionals did not stop after I returned. Each agency knew exactly what to do with my pay, personnel and medical records. Everything was done professionally and effectively by the same team that had helped me deploy at the end of August. They did all that and still managed to graduate six classes of new pilots while I was gone.
Master Sgt. Chris Blackburn, Staff Sgt. Melissa Chavez, Senior Airman Christopher Miller (who were deployed with me) and I will all get a chance to share our experiences with you. I just wanted to take this opportunity to let the whole community know how much we appreciated your professionalism and kind support throughout Aerospace Expeditionary Force Rotation 1 and 2. Vance/Enid community support is the best there is!
As I write this, it is still chilly, temperature-wise. But is sure is nice to be back in the warmth of Enid, America.