COMMENTARY: It was great ... because you're great!

  • Published
  • By Col. Robert E. Suminsby Jr.
  • 377th Air Base Wing commander
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico --  This is it ... my final column for the Nucleus. When I first got here in 2006, I realized that my only chance to be "heard" in the base paper was in answering Action Line calls. While I still do that, I wanted some space each week to address not just what's wrong at Kirtland, but to talk about what's right - about what's going on, and what challenges lie ahead. Most of all, I wanted to use the bully pulpit to make people feel good about themselves and what they do. Thus the Commander's Corner was born.

There are plenty of challenges ahead, no question. Our Air Force faces stiff headwinds in many ways, but I have the greatest confidence that Team Kirtland will continue to move us forward, as we ensure the safety, security and reliability of America's nuclear enterprise, as we train the very best special operations aircrews in the world, as we test and evaluate current weapon systems and as we develop the technologies for future capabilities ... the list goes on and on.

As the installation commander, it has been my responsibility to keep our facilities secure, to keep the lights on and the phones working, to keep our population healthy, to allow all our mission partners to do their important work. But the best part of my job has been the privilege of representing Kirtland AFB to the City of Albuquerque and the surrounding communities.

You may not feel special as you go about your daily duties, but trust me, you are. Your fellow citizens respect the contributions you make to the nation, and they are in awe of the sacrifices that so many of you make. At every public event that I have attended over the past two years, I have basked in the warm glow of that admiration ... from business leaders, from Senators and Congressmen, from the proud parents at a Memorial Day parade. The nature of my job is that I get to be on the receiving end of many compliments, but I've always endeavored to pass on the credit to all of you, because you are the ones who have earned it. Thanks to all of you, Team Kirtland, for making the past two years such a pleasure.

On Tuesday morning I'll pass the reins to Col. Mike Duvall; a good friend and an officer I've known and respected for almost 20 years. While it's tough to say goodbye to the 377th Air Base Wing and all its great people, I'm comforted in knowing that it could not be in better hands. Celeste and I want to wish Mike and Lori Jo all the best in their new home in New Mexico, and we hope this assignment will be as fun and rewarding for them as it was for us. I'm confident it will be, because of all of you.