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140th Wing Commander's Holiday Message

BUCKLEY AFB, Colo. --

140th Wingmen and families,

Since this is the last time we will be together as a wing before the end of the year. I want to let you know how proud I am of all of you for what you have accomplished in 2013. This has been an eventful year and we have found success in all of our endeavors only thanks to all of your hard work and dedication.

Taking a look back at this year, here are just a few of our significant accomplishments:

January: We redeployed 218 Airmen for an AEF supporting U.S. Central Command and U.S. African Command. All returned home safely after a job well done.

February: The 240th Civil Engineer Squadron personnel worked on an Innovative Readiness Project to improve the YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch facilities in Granby, Colo.

March: The 137th Space Warning Squadron reorganized and activated as the 233d Space Group.

March: The 240th Civil Engineer Flight participated in Exercise Key Resolve in the Republic of Korea; two members were recognized as top performers.

April: You welcomed me as your new commander and we wished the newly promoted Maj. Gen. Trulan Eyre best of luck on his next position as Air National Guard Advisor to 1st Air Force.

May: The 140 CES began renovations on Building 700, which will soon become a new home for the 140th Security Forces Squadron.

June: We deployed 160 personnel to participate in the Falcon Air Meet as part of the multinational, multi-service Eager Lion Exercise in Jordan, and were designated overall CHAMPIONS!

June: We responded to the Black Forest fire in Colorado Springs, the East Peak Fire near Walsenburg, and the West Fork complex fire, west of South Fork. The COANG provided firefighting, security, communications, A-Staff, public affairs and chaplain support.

July: We participated in Vigilant Guard, a large-scale, multi-state, multi-agency exercise focused on interagency coordination in preparation for emergencies and catastrophic events. We also began our 1st Furlough.

August: The 233d Space Group facilitated a Major Accident Response Exercise with local community first responders.

September: We responded to heavy flooding in various parts of Colorado that were most affected. The wing provided the A-Staff, ground evacuation; personnel, supply and equipment transport; and security, sandbagging, chaplain, imagery, public affairs and engineering assessment support.

September: The CERFP Medical Element received a perfect score on their Standardization, Evaluation and Assistance Team Inspection.

October: GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN! 2nd Furlough.
Members of the 240 CEF conducted road and bridge inspections and helped to rebuild Colorado's roadways after the devastating floods.

November: After cancelling October Drill, the wing compensated for the loss of training over November Drill and flying and maintenance operations surged to accomplish 42 sorties over the two days, all while significant runway construction was underway.

December: Our ACA operation completed the majority of our Alert Force Evaluation with a Mission Ready grade. Our Command Post and Security Forces were highlighted.

You have all worked tirelessly throughout the year, despite Sequestration and uncertain fiscal times, and I want to thank you and your families for everything you've done to support the wing, our state, and our nation. I've said it before, but you are truly the BEST wing in the Air National Guard and the Air Force.

No matter what traditions you observe or holidays you celebrate during the upcoming month, Cheryl and I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season.

Please continue to be safe and use your best judgment. And remember, if you ever need a ride home, or help of any kind, please don't hesitate to call the Command Post (720-847-9955) and a Wingman will be there for you, day or night.

Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,

F.W. Dunstan