22nd ARW commander returns to McConnell

  • Published
  • By Col. Jaime Crowhurst
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Good Morning Team McConnell (Airpower!!!),

I'm excited about getting home today after being TDY most of this week. Congrats to all of you who were promoted yesterday and more congrats are in order because four of our teammates have been nominated for the for the Lance P. Sijan Award:

Junior Enlisted - Tech. Sgt. Walter Hall, 22nd Maintenance Squadron
Senior Enlisted - Master Sgt. Heather Moody, 22nd Force Support Squadron
Junior Officer - Capt. Jacob Sullivan, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Senior Officer - Maj. Jason Strickler, 22nd Operations Support Squadron

This award recognizes the accomplishments of USAF officers and enlisted members who have demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership in the performance of their duties and the conduct of their lives. If you see them around the base be sure to wish them good luck as they compete at the AMC level.

Yesterday and today your Group leadership has set aside approximately two hours for front line supervisors to interact with their subordinates without everyday distractions. Topics are available under "Sergeant's Time" on the Wing Safety SharePoint site. Small groups will meet to discuss Safety topics and build esprit-de-corps in an effort to kick off the Fourth of July weekend safely. Below are several ways you could enjoy the holiday weekend--starting with the Beach Party from 4 to 8 p.m. at the base Outdoor Pool & Pavilion, as well as some other upcoming events.

Thanks for what you do everyday serving our Air Force! Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Col C

· July 1 - Beach Party
· July 2 - Saving Abel: Unplugged (FREE performance & food!)
· July 3 - Derby Independence Day Parade
· July 4 - Baseball Game & Fireworks
· July 6 - AMXS Change of Command (10am in Hangar 1166)
· July 7 - Wing Commander's Calls (0700, 1030, 1500 at Dole Ctr)
· July 9 - O'call/Hail & Farewell (3:30pm at Club)
· July 9 - Grill Your Own Steak & Boss n' Buddy

Beach Party: July 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the outdoor pool & pavilion. Be part of the Sand Art Contest, enjoy GREAT games, entertainment and FREE food. Then from 9 to 11 p.m., go to the After Party at the Storm Cellar patio (must be 18 to party, 21 to drink). Enjoy a movie on the big screen and Free Papa John's Pizza and Buffalo Wild Wings.

T95/Saving Abel-Unplugged: July 2 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Hero's Sports Bar 117 N. Mosley in Old Town, all active military and their families are invited for a free special un-plugged performance from the band Saving Abel. Show your military ID and receive a wristband for free "cook out" style food off the Hero's outdoor grill (hot dogs, brats & sides). Local band Livy High will be the opening act. Questions, please call T95, The Fox, 821-2065.

Derby Independence Day Parade: July 3, 9:30 a.m. at 715 E. Madison Ave in Derby, celebrate Independence Day by marching in the parade. UOD will be ABUs or flight suits. Families, wagon, strollers, etc. are welcome. Parade begins promptly at 10am; participants must be in place by 9:30 a.m. and can enjoy free food immediately following the parade in High Park. Please contact your group POC if you are interested and view the flyer on the wing calendar for more information and a map.

Baseball Game & Fireworks: July 4 ceremony starts at 6:05 p.m. at the Dumont Stadium in Wichita, and the baseball game begins at 6:30 p.m. I will throw out the first pitch and introduce one of our own hometown heroes (SSgt Eric Farley) who will be honored by the local media. Then, after the game, at 9:45 p.m. there will be fireworks! Cost is only $5.

Wing Commander's Calls: July 7 in the Dole Center Ballroom. All are required to attend one of the following times; 7 a.m., 10:30 a.m. or 3 p.m..

Grill Your Own Steak & Boss n' Buddy: July 9 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Storm Cellar, celebrate the end of another successful week with your co-workers. Great food and drink specials, designated drivers drink FREE soda all night. Also, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Storm Cellar Sports Bar patio, you can grill your steak. Meal includes steak, baked potato and tossed salad. Cost is $9.95 for members, $11.95 for non-members. Please call 759-6002 to reserve your steak, or call 759-4330 for more information.