Happy Fourth of July Weekend

  • Published
  • By Col. Floyd Dunstan
  • 140th Wing Commander
140th Wingmen,

As we approach the July 4th holiday weekend, I'd like to take a moment to thank all of you for your continued hard work and steadfast commitment to our mission, both at home and abroad. What we once thought would be a slow summer has become a whirlwind of taskings, and you ALL have truly stepped up to the challenge once again.

I would like to thank the 160 members of the wing who just returned from a three week deployment to Jordan in support of the Falcon Air Meet/Exercise Eager Lion. Having just recently returned from an AEF deployment, you turned right around and deployed overseas again. On top of that, I would like to congratulate you on winning the overall first place trophy in the Falcon Air Meet. Your performance during the competition and throughout the exercise was unbeatable and I am proud to be able to call myself your commander. Thank you all for yet another successful deployment.

Additionally, while a significant portion of the wing was deployed, many of you who remained at home were called to provide critical support in fighting the wildfires that were devastating huge areas of our state. Over 60 of our wing members were called to action, leaving their normal lives behind in order to help wherever and however they could. Your contributions to this mission were and are greatly appreciated, as the wildfires affect, to some extent, all Colorado residents.

And lastly, thank you also to those of you who remained back at home station throughout this time, working diligently to make sure that our daily operations continued seamlessly and ensuring that those of us who were gone would receive unwavering support from back home whenever necessary.

It is thanks to all of your hard work and sacrifices that we are able to celebrate this great nation's 237th birthday on Thursday. We are so fortunate to live in America, enjoying freedoms and luxuries that people in other parts of the world will never have the privilege to experience. However, along with those freedoms comes added responsibilities. I ask that as you partake in holiday festivities, you will do so smartly and safely. Remember to wear a helmet, hydrate, plan for contingencies, wear a life jacket, etc. and if you ever find yourself too impaired to make it home, please call your wingman to help get you there safely. I and your Commanders personally volunteer to come pick you up, any time, any place, rather than risk losing one of our Airmen. The Command Post can reach us 24/7 at 720-847-9955. Airmen Against Drunk Driving is another option for a free, confidential and safe ride home, 720-847-7433. There is no excuse for driving intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol.

Most of all, I hope that you will enjoy time off this week, celebrate with family and friends, and remember the people who served before us and continue to serve our country in order to preserve the freedoms we are so privileged to enjoy.

R/

//SIGNED//
FLOYD W. DUNSTAN, Col
Colorado Air National Guard
140th Wing Commander