Welcome 2010 - Looking Forward to a Year of Opportunities and Excellence

  • Published
  • By Col. Thomas Geary
  • 17th Training Wing commander
    Welcome back! I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday and took some time off to relax. What a great year 2009 was. I have been continually impressed by the professionalism and dedication of our team, and I know with batteries recharged, we have a great 2010 ahead of us. Every day, the 17th Training Wing Team and Team Goodfellow provide our nation with the best trained Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians. Training is what we do, and we do it well. Our graduates leave here armed with the skills and knowledge that makes them ready for complex operations in a very dynamic world. Less than six months have quickly passed since I took command of the 17th Training Wing, and without a doubt the Wing and Team Goodfellow made 2009 a successful year for the base and our great San Angelo community. 

    Spring came with a visit from the Inspector General for our successful Unit Compliance Inspection. You showed the IG what a professional and top-notch operation we have. Last year we were also honored to have our new Second Air Force Commander, Major General Mary K. Hertog, visit Goodfellow AFB. She personally visited many of our units and offices sharing her leadership vision and familiarizing herself with our team and our facilities. Without a doubt, she saw excellence at every turn - you gave our commander an impressive first visit. Team Goodfellow had an opportunity to display our wide-ranging capabilities and our commitment to service during Community Appreciation Day. Drill competition, fire-fighting demonstrations, and combat maneuvers were just a few of the many exciting events community members enjoyed. This was truly a terrific event for the community and a great way for us to say "thanks" to San Angelo and the surrounding local community for their unparalleled support. Team Goodfellow also phenomenally pulled together in this year's Combined Federal Campaign. Team Goodfellow collectively raised $210,508 for CFC to improve the quality of life for countless people across San Angelo, the country and the globe. Throughout the year, many units and people have been recognized with awards, and it was truly my pleasure to close out the year by announcing 17th Training Wing's recognition with the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. This award not only recognized our Airmen, but included our sister service tenant units. What a great achievement, and what a way to build our momentum for continuing to exceed expectations.

    As we go forward, 2010 will bring us a visit from General Steven Lorenz, our AOR Education and Training Command Commander. Again we will have the opportunity to showcase the immense talent across this base. Projected for May, we also have a formal dedication of our two Officer Quarters buildings being named in honor of two of Goodfellow's combat heroes -- Medal of Honor recipients Colonel (Ret.) George Everett "Bud" Day and Colonel (Ret) Leo K. Thorsness. Of course 2010 will bring us more ground breaking ceremonies for new facilities, as well as many events with the community like Rodeo Days. This is an exciting time to be a member of the 17th Training Wing, and I am confident this year will be just as exciting and successful as 2009. The advent of the New Year may have a unique significance for every one of us, but it is my sincere hope that we all take some time to reflect on our own growth as individuals and as members of the armed forces. Be thankful for what we have achieved. Let us look for ways to improve our mission and ourselves. Let us continue being engaged, involved, informed and proactive. Thanks for your commitment to excellence. Again, welcome back and Happy New Year.