Taking care of each other in 2008

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. John Hesterman
  • 48th Fighter Wing commander
RAF LAKENHEATH, England --  Welcome to 2008, Liberty Wing! I want to take this opportunity to tell you how proud I am of the hard work you have done over the past six months - excellence in combat, several major inspections/exercises, distinguished visitor visits - you have truly excelled at every turn. Your hard work, dedication, professionalism and can-do attitude represent RAF Lakenheath very well and clearly demonstrate that our nation can depend on our Air Force to continue defending America's freedoms by facing and overcoming adversities as we prosecute this Global War on Terrorism. For that, I extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every member of the 48th Fighter Wing family. 

As I speak of family and the pace of operations here, I remind you to continue taking care of each other - be a wingman, have a wingman! We had one motorcycle fatality in 2007, and while trends show we are moving in the right direction from previous years, we must remain vigilant. Even one loss of life is too many, and affects the entire team. 

Wear your personal protective equipment--seatbelts were directly responsible for saving the lives of at least seven RAFL Airmen in 2007. 

Engage your mind before you engage yourself. Practice Operational Risk Management before you tackle activities both on and off duty, and remind your wingman to do the same. 

Drive like your life depends on it, because it does. Driving is one of the most dangerous things we do here. Be mindful of weather and road conditions; watch your speed; and if you want to drink alcohol, have a plan that doesn't include you being behind the wheel. 

In addition to taking care of each other, take care of yourselves this year also. Stay physically and mentally fit. 

Use the fitness facilities here - there are 1,440 minutes in every day, use 30 of them for physical activity. Don't do it because it's now a part of your annual evaluation, do it because regular exercise is a critical part of staying healthy. People who are active live longer, feel better, generally maintain a healthy weight, and delay or prevent a variety of health problems. 

Finally, maintain a balance between work and your family at home. We are at the tip of the spear in terms of the mission, but we are also at the gateway to Europe. Get out and enjoy England and the European countries. While you will hopefully have fond memories of your military career and military family, it's your family at home who will be with you in retirement and for the rest of your life. So take the time now to show them that you love and appreciate them. Take the opportunities you have here in England to go on vacations with your family, and make memories to reminisce on in your post-Air Force years. They will appreciate you for it, and your military family will as well because you will return to the office refreshed and ready to take on the latest tasks. 

Know that I am very proud of you. I recognize your hard work and dedication and I thank you for it. I wish you a wonderful year, and I look forward to another productive year filled with good things for RAFL!