Commander's Corner: Congratulations on NSI Team Kirtland

  • Published
  • By Col. Robert E. Suminsby Jr.
  • 377th Air Base Wing commander
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO --  What a week for Team Kirtland!

The Nuclear Weapon Center's performance during the Air Force Materiel Command Nuclear Surety Inspection was nothing less than magnificent. Your professionalism, hard work and great attitude left a lasting impression on the AFMC IG team.

For those of you who haven't heard, Kirtland received some of the highest scores I've ever seen in an NSI. My hat is off to all of you who worked so hard to bring this about - the kudos and congratulations are all yours. You should all be standing tall ... enjoy the moment. Now that you know what you're capable of, you should never settle for less.

Could we have done even better? Sure. There are always a few areas that need improvement, and in many cases the fixes are already in place. That's the kind of can-do attitude that made this such a successful test.

This week also marked the change of command for the 58th Special Operations Wing. Col. Eugene Haase, previously the 58 SOW vice commander, has now taken over the reigns as commander to continue training some of the best special operations teams in the Air Force. Colonel Haase is already a well-known asset to Team Kirtland. Please join me in wishing him continued success in his new job.

A Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal presentation ceremony honoring Tech. Sgt. Sean Gray, Senior Airman Nicholas Worthington, Staff Sgt. John Degnaro and Staff Sgt. Christopher Jackson, four Explosives Ordnance Disposal warriors, was held Wednesday in the Rio Grande Conference Center. These exceptional Airmen recently returned home after completing many months of dangerous missions. They served our country bravely and with honor while facing the rigors of combat. I am very proud of their achievements and honored to serve with them. See next week's Nucleus for more information and photos.

Some things on the horizon for Team Kirtland:

Albuquerque Public Schools will be holding a Town Hall meeting Feb. 14 at the Mountain View Club from 1-2:30 p.m. Dr. Beth Everitt, APS superintendent, will talk about initiatives and programs offered to Kirtland families and will address general concerns and comments. This is your chance to get involved with your child's education and I strongly encourage you to attend.

The Kirtland Company Grade Officer's Council will be hosting a luncheon in honor of Black History Month on Feb. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mountain View Club. See the ad on page 17 of this Nucleus for more details.

As always, thanks for everything you do. Remember, be the best!