Commander’s Corner: Spend hard-earned time off with family, friends

  • Published
  • By Col. Robert E. Suminsby Jr.
  • 377th Air Base Wing Commander
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico --  As the kids head back to school, it may seem that vacation opportunities are also winding down. That may be true for longer, extended vacations in the family wagon to see the World's Largest Ball of String, but days off to spend with family and friends are just as important.

You have worked hard day in and day out and have earned well-deserved days off in the process. Those days are precious and as the end of the fiscal year approaches, be aware of your leave status and don't lose those valuable days off.

I've looked at the "use or lose" roster for Team Kirtland, and some of you have thirty days of use or lose leave! That means you haven't had a day of leave since last year, which was probably the last time you lost leave. What are you thinking? The Air Force will continue to run without you for a few days ... trust me.

And if you haven't had leave in awhile, you're probably getting grumpy. A mid-week day off, when you can sleep in an extra half hour and relax with a second cup of coffee, can do wonders for your mental health. And you can score huge points in the "Spouse of the Year" competition by being around to help get the kids out the door to school in the morning, or being home to get dinner on the table in the evening.

However you choose to use your time off, don't let it go to waste. If you're a supervisor, you should also be monitoring your people to see who has use or lose time coming to them and suggest that they take it. Use it ... don't lose it.

While you're enjoying your day off and thinking about how you might make a positive impact here at Kirtland AFB, consider that Kirtland Against Drunk Driving is always looking for new volunteers and this would be a good time to join in and help save fellow Airmen. KADD is an organization that offers safe rides and teaches the dangers of alcohol misuse to Kirtland's Airmen. Volunteers need to have a valid driver's license, a vehicle, and must be reliable and dependable. KADD is available Friday and Saturday evenings by calling 853-8888. Interested volunteers should contact their unit first sergeant.

Be safe and enjoy those well-deserved days of leave -- you earned them!