On getting refocused; some well-deserved recognition Published Jan. 18, 2011 By Col. Lenny Richoux 6th Air Mobility Wing commander MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Thank you all for taking time on Monday for a Wingman Day. I asked our KC-135 operations and maintenance to take a no-fly day for a hard look at our processes and safety. This was done to underscore the importance of safe mission accomplishment. We can't do the work of the enemy for them by bending metal or injuring personnel. Nothing is more important than readiness and the mission. Thanks for taking a day to re-focus on our mission. For those who could not use Monday as a Wingman Day, your command will provide that opportunity before the end of February. I also want to echo General Ray Johns, commander of Air Mobility Command, in thanking you for taking care of one another over the holidays and over the past year. For the second consecutive year, the Air Force experienced zero fatalities due to motor vehicle mishaps during the Christmas and New Year holiday periods. AMC and MacDill AFB had zero fatalities for the entire holiday period this year - Thanksgiving through New Years. I attribute this record to your analog leadership--face to face, personal interaction with your people and knowing when they need a hand. As we approach the Operational Readiness Inspection, scheduled from Jan. 21-30, I ask you to continue to look after one another as we simulate deployment and operations in a non-permissive environment. This will be a tough test but one which we are well-prepared to execute -- in an OUTSTANDING manner. The 6th Operations Group recently recognized Capt. Joshua Shultz, Capt. Thomas Bockrath and Airman 1st Class Matthew Scott of the 91st Air Refueling Squadron for their contributions to air refueling missions in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility. Their accomplishments demonstrated the 91 ARS' air refueling capability which enabled not only our projection of air power, but also multinational interoperability. Additionally, 91 ARS crew chiefs Staff Sgt. Brannen Scarazzo and Airman 1st Class Matthew Smith with Security Forces Squadron's Staff Sgt. Dustin Maglinti, Senior Airman Brandon Couture, Senior Airman James Crouse and Airman 1st Class Alexander Morley were integral in the safety, security and functionality of this mission. Also, during this busy week, today we are celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a luncheon program. I am thankful to the main program organizers, 6th Medical Group's Capt. Bostella Walker and Master Sgt. April Way. Dr King's efforts to protect American Civil Rights have also made the U.S. Military a better place for all to serve. Congratulations to Mr. Rudy Wyatt, who runs MacDill's Antiterrorism and Force Protection Program. He, along with Office of Special Investigations, Security Forces and so many others who assist at the individual unit level were instrumental in MacDill being named the 2010 DoD Annual Antiterrorism (AT) Award winner - Large Fixed Installation. I am proud of your work to keep our base safe. I want to also express thanks to Ambulance Services Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Tech. Sgt. Arthur Linton who recently passed a car-versus-pedestrian accident involving a homeless woman when he was off-duty. He stopped to help and after his assessment, he initiated basic medical assistance. Due to his care the victim who was determined to be deceased regained a pulse. After follow-up care, the victim survived. Lastly, a hearty congratulations goes to Master Sgt. Fitzroy Howe, 6th Security Forces Squadron, winner of the 2010 Air Force Outstanding SF Support Staff NCO Award. You are doing amazing work in support of our nation. I am proud to serve with you in the finest Air Mobility Wing on the face of the planet!