Commander's Corner: 'Airmen, mission and community' Published Aug. 14, 2012 By Col. Scott DeThomas 6th Air Mobility Wing Commander MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- "What an incredible privilege to serve as your commander at MacDill Air Force Base!" was my first thought after I learned that my family and I were moving to the Tampa Bay area. It has been more incredible than I could have imagined thus far. We have been welcomed by the base, the city and the entire community in such a way that I am eternally grateful. Our family would like to sincerely thank everyone for the warm welcome. There is an amazing team of professionals assembled at MacDill, and we are looking forward to the many opportunities that await us. With that thought in mind, each of you need to remain laser focused during the summer season of transition and ensure our priorities remain centered around our Airmen and their families, our incredible mission set, and our amazing community. Our Team's continued success starts with our Airmen. Our Airmen will remain well organized, trained and equipped. They will remain ready at a moment's notice to enable the success of our war fighting commander's strategic objectives across a broad spectrum of operations. Our Airmen are disciplined and will continue to uphold the highest of standards. They will also work to make the team better at every opportunity, no matter what the makeup of the players. Taking care of Airmen and their families must be a priority to ensure continued success. Our mission may evolve, but will remain providing premier distinguished visitor airlift, world class tanker capability that enables our global reach and global strike success, and ensuring our teammates at MacDill have a world class Air Force base that directly contributes to their success. We will never lose sight that the American taxpayer expects us to execute our mission. Growing our community and our team both inside and outside the gates of MacDill is an absolute must for each and every one of us. We will build upon this amazing community and the incredible support its members provide our military and their families on a daily basis. Inside the gates we will provide resources that allow our base-community to thrive emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. Outside the base, we will take every opportunity to be good stewards and Air Force ambassadors. We will continue to strengthen our ties with the Tampa Bay area, and we will take every opportunity to thank its people for inviting us into their schools, hospitals, and community at large. This is an amazing community that truly embraces our contributions and shares in both our joys and sorrows. These three priorities, Airmen, mission, and community will enable us to do what the American people have entrusted us to do -- support and defend this great nation. Before I close I want to recognize a few wing teammates who have gone above and beyond. Mr. David Cresswell, Maj. Allen Shew, and Master Sgt. Caren Price of the 6th Air Mobility Wing Plans office did an outstanding job with the tabletop exercise Monday. Cresswell, Shew and Price, thank you for taking care of business. It is truly an honor to be serving with every Airman, Soldier, Sailor, Marine, civilian, contractor, retiree, and family member on MacDill AFB.