New commander to wing: Hello Team Vance! Published Nov. 22, 2006 By Col. Richard Klumpp Jr. 71st Flying Training Wing Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- It's great to be back as a member of Team Vance! On Friday, I had the distinct privilege to assume command of the 71st Flying Training Wing and resume the fine tradition of producing the world's greatest aviators for our nation's air forces. This is such a unique base with a distinctive joint, total force, civilian and contract team and a community relationship I have not seen anywhere else. I'm glad to be a part of this proud legacy. Mary and I were thrilled when we were told we would be given the opportunity to come to Vance and from the time my family and I arrived on base you have all welcomed us with open arms. To say we are thrilled to be here is a huge understatement. Team Vance and the Enid community have a well-deserved reputation as the place of choice to work and live. Thank you all for everything you do. I look forward to meeting and working with all the members who make up Team Vance. As I get acquainted with the Team Vance way of life and inner workings, one thing is evident ... the people here are busy and will continue to stay busy for a long time. We will continue to produce top-notch pilots for the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps and our nation's allies and deliver combat-ready Airmen for today's Expeditionary Air Force needs, both 100 percent on-time, every time. This is an important time in history for Vance and the Air Force and we will continue to be put to the test. As we go through manpower and funding reductions, execute Base Realignment and Closure recommendations, implement the National Security Personnel System, develop and train future aviators, meet deployment requirements, undergo an Operational Readiness Inspection and many other issues, we must remember our primary mission will remain the same ... provide the best trained pilots for the combat air forces of this great nation and our allies. I firmly believe in the mantra "Mission First, People Always." We will provide the best quality of life for our people and their families, while remaining focused on our mission. If we take care of you and your families, I have no doubt you will take care of our mission. Some may be anxious to know how I lead and conduct business. My job is to put you in a position to be successful, whether that means resources, education and training, mentoring or quality-of-life initiatives. I believe if I give you the tools you need, that frees you up to focus on being the best Airman you can be, leading you down the path to success in all of your endeavors. Being the best Airman includes bringing your "A" game every day, living the Core Values, treating everyone you come in contact with fairness, dignity and respect, and making smart, responsible choices in your personal and professional lives. With that as your foundation, there's no limit to what you can accomplish. I'd like to close by thanking all of you for the dedicated and professional effort you provide every day as members of Team Vance. You have been awesome at accomplishing the mission under Colonel Benson and I don't expect anything different as I take the reins of command. Our country and our Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps benefit greatly from the sacrifices you and your families make every day. In a time of war, you choose to serve. For that, I salute you. Again, thank you all for the warm welcome. I am proud to be the commander of the 71st FTW, and Mary, the kids and I look forward to meeting you all soon!