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Show 8 HILLTOP TIMES TIMES October 16, 2008 New 419th Wing commander shares priorities tunity to talk one-on-one with each Airman in the wing, what would you say? BY 419TH PUBLIC AFFAIRS STAFF 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs C ol. Walter "Buck" Sams became the 419th Fighter Wing commander Sep. 14. The 419th Public Affairs staff recently sat down with Col. Sams to dicuss his priorities, his role and his outlook on the future of Hill Air Force Base's Reserve wing. What is your main focus as you take command of the wing? I would ask that each and every member of the 419th Fighter Wing set their sights on three things — sacrifice, diligence and victory. We must all make continued sacrifices and put service before self as we move forward in everything we do. Diligence can be defined as discipline and determination over time. I encourage everyone to renew their diligence through disciplined practices, safety, professionalism and competence. And finally, we must constantly strive toward victory in the Global War on Terrorism. It is crucial that each of us not lose sight of the big picture. This is a long war, and we have a long way to go before we see complete and total defeat over the terrorists who seek to destroy our way of First, I'd say thank you. I'd thank each of them for their service, their dedication and their professionalism. Every member of the 419th is here because they want to contribute to the cause of freedom. I've been astounded by the continued high rate of deployment volunteerism and the can-do attitude of all of our people and I feel honored to have the opportunity to serve as their commander. Col. Walter 'Buck' Sams life. The stakes are high and victory is crucial to the safety and security of generations to come. What do you see as the wing's greatest challenge this next year? As commander, what do you see as your primary role? My focus is on supporting the men and women of the 419th Fighter Wing so they may successfully carry out the job at hand — winning the Global War on Terrorism. I hope to empower our people at all levels, provide necessary resources and remove barriers to progress so they can do the vital work for which they are trained. The Airmen in this wing work for the greater good of the 419th, the U.S. Air Force and the citizens of this great nation. They don't work for me, I work for them. If you had the oppor- Let me start by saying that challenge is the nature of our business, and we are the best in the world at meeting challenges head-on and achieving victory. It's in our nature as Americans to unite around a cause greater than ourselves and to shape opportunities for a better future. In times of great challenge, Americans find great opportunity, and I know the 419th Fighter Wing will too find great opportunity as we embrace our continually evolving role in national defense. Our plate will be full this coming year as we support continued Expe- WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! | 24 HOUR SHUTTLE AIRPORT IIAMONI PARKING 1922 50 S. Redwood Rd (I-80 Exit 118) 801-355-PARK (7275) ditionary Combat Support and Air Expeditionary Force taskings, as we pave the way as the Air Force's first-ever fighter associate unit, and as we strive to maintain the readiness of our part-time force and train them to the highest level possible. Reservists are now crucial to our nation's victory in the Global War on TeiTorism and members of the 419th Fighter Wing will have opportunities as never before to do their part in ensuring our nation's success against terrorists throughout the globe who threaten our safety and security. Our Total Force Integration with our Regular Air Force counterparts from the 388th Fighter Wing is on track, and we are now working to achieve the optimum level of integration, balance manpower efficiency and leadership opportunities while gaining continued efficiencies. Again, our people have the opportunity to shape the future and ensure that we are the most capable F-16 unit in the world. We will also tackle the continuous readiness challenges that face every Reserve unit. Our reservists balance the high demands of their civilian careers, their families and their Reserve service, and we have only two days every month to get them ready to stand side-by-side with their RegAf counterparts when called. This offers BASH From page 1 yet another opportunity for the men and women of the 419th FW to rally together with common purpose to ensure we are ready to do the jobs for which we are being entrusted. I know our people are ready to face these challenges and I, personally, can't think of a better time in our history to serve. There will be a Guitar Hero tournament with a $100 gift card winner. The movie room and surrounding TVs will play the day's college football games, with the option to relax and listen to music in the foyer. 'This weekend we'll find out who the Guitar Hero King or Queen of the dorms is — we'll also see who can smash a softball for a homerun or 'put the smack What leadership prindown' on the B-ball courts ciples guide you? in the 3 on 3 tournament," Chaplain Haltom said. "This I'm an avid reader of event has something for evebooks on leadership and ry dorm resident and their have learned that leaderguests are welcome to come ship is a journey, not a as well. It's simply going to destination. Good leaders be an awesome day at one must know their organizaof the Air Force's premier tion and be truly invested establishments for Junior in their people — misEnlisted!" sion first, people always. Successful leaders know A homerun derby is how to set the vision for scheduled on the softball their organization and field adjacent to the JEC at 1 provide the path to reach p.m with cash and prizes on the goal. Good leaders the line. Beginning at protect innovators and 3 p.m,. a three-on-three bassniff out those with low ketball tournament will take integrity and mediocre place at the nearby courts. performance. Successful Sign-ups for these events are leaders are humble and available inside the JEC. must remember that true The Dorm Council and character shows through Chaplains group are preparwhen things don't go well. ing to host all 540 dorm resiFinally, leaders at all dents and their friends. levels must take care of 'We would like to see all themselves and protect 500-plus dorm Airmen with against burnout. For me, their girlfriends, boyfriends, family comes first. My and fiances to come relax wife and children are my and have a fun Saturday," priority, followed by my said Chaplain Haltom. career. When I take care The event will begin at of my family and my own 11 am. and kick off with well being, I am better free burgers, hot dogs and able to perform while on more outside of the JEC the job. until 5 p.m. In addition to the food outside, the LIFEHouse cafe" will be providing free hot espresso and cold Italian drinks. The hosts would also like to reacquaint the Airmen with the facilities the JEC has to offer them such as free wireless internet, Direct TV, PlayStation 3 and X-Box gaming. "The Junior ARE YOU HAVING MORTGAGE PROBLEMS? Enlisted Center is truly an • FORECLOSURE * RATE INCREASING incredible place! I know of * LATE PAYMENTS • NEEDING TO MOVE many bases who are very DO NOT PANIC OR VACATE! envious of the quality of the center that is 100 percent WE SPECIALIZE IN LENDER NEGOTIATIONS! free to Airmen — let's not let •PAYMENT WORKOUTS LOAN MODIFICATIONS -DISTRESSED HOME SALES it go to waste," said Chaplain CALLTODAYTOSEEHOWWECANHELP! OUR CONSULTATION IS FREE! CALL 801-825-9433 Haltom. FORRLQSUBL. PREVENTION OF UTAH i I FREE CAR WASH! FREE BOTTLED WATER I 20% OFF VALET RATES Not valid with other offers or discounts Current military or base I.D. required with coupon HAFB CALLING ALL ACTIVE DUTY PERSONNEL AND SPOUSES! 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