Commander addresses key topics

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tong Duong
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Col. Mark Damiano, 17th Training Wing Commander, summoned an "All Call" to Team Goodfellow Airmen and civilians at the base theater June 13.

One of the main messages was safety, which was emphasized by a Summer Safety Video by Air Education and Training Command Commander, Gen. Edward Rice who conveyed his stance on mishap prevention and Airmen resiliency.

"It's not just ground mishaps or lapses in flight discipline claiming the lives of our loved ones, last year six AETC family members became so distraught that they saw no other way to alleviate their burdens so they took their own lives," Rice said.

"These people weren't just some statistic they had family members who still miss them so dearly," he said. "It hurts. Yes it's personal."

Following the video, Damiano spoke on a few key topics: Don't be that guy, unprofessional relationships, and the year ahead.

"Last Sports Day, one of the few messages we had besides 'have fun' was to 'be safe,'" he said. "No kidding, five minutes after formation broke; there was a vehicle vs.  pedestrian mishap in the parking lot. The other one was 'it's hot, so hydrate'...we had students passing out in the base theater during the safety presentation... don't be that guy."

The commanders spoke about unprofessional relationships, referencing the recent sexual assault incidents at basic training.

"There have been serious incidents where numerous military training leaders were relieved of their duties," Damiano said. "We have students and will have more students in our pipeline, who are affected by this. There will be absolutely no behavior of that type here between permanent party and students...period."

Rounding out his briefing, Damiano emphasized the importance of preparing for the upcoming inspections.

"A year ago, you had one huge goal, to get through the combined unit inspection," he said. "You've performed excellent in the trifecta. Now is the time to review your process, and take a look at what you did... I could not be happier with the job you are doing and have done."