302nd Airlift Wing: Celebrating 30 years at Peterson AFB, still going strong!

  • Published
  • By Col. Jay Pittman
  • 302nd Airlift Wing commander
On April 1, 2015 the 302nd Airlift Wing logged 30 years as an Air Force Reserve Command C-130 airlift wing located at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.  I am proud to serve our country leading this wing, and even more proud to be a part of this wing's long and rich history along with each of you. 

During the past 30 years and still today the wing's aircraft and Airmen have spanned the globe supporting contingency operations with airlift, airdrop and aeromedical evacuation, fighting fires from above with the special Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System mission, securing bases both at home and deployed, achieving several occurrences of "black letter" or perfectly maintained aircraft, ensuring training, education, force support functions and pay run smoothly as well as ensuring medical readiness is attained and much more.  We can be proud of the positive impact the 302nd AW and its members have had on the world, our country, to our sister services and the U.S. Air Force.  Our history and contributions to this nation's defense continues, but only with your dedication and service.  And for that, I thank you and those who support you in answering our nation's call.

Of equal importance to the support you receive is the support you give your fellow Wingmen.  Within the Air Force Reserve Command and here at the 302nd AW, we are committed to a culture of dignity and respect.  The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) and Suicide Prevention programs are extremely important and will help all of us continue to serve to the best of our ability and in a supportive environment we can all be proud of and excel in.

This past March's annual awards banquet told the story of a wing whose Airmen are extremely supportive of one another with its record attendance -- hundreds of wing members and their guests were there to recognize and cheer on our winners.   The 2014 award packages were extremely competitive and spoke to a common theme that our Airmen are successful in balancing their civilian responsibilities, striving for excellence in both their Reserve duties and pursuits in education and still have a positive impact on their local communities. Thank you for your efforts, achievements and for making both the 302nd AW and this annual event the best they can be.

Finally, the wing recently hosted a number of Air Force and AFRC senior leaders -- it was an unprecedented series of visits for our wing. Secretary of the Air Force, the Honorable Deborah Lee James, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, James A. Cody, AFRC Command Chief Master Sgt. Cameron Kirksey and 22nd Air Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Stayce Harris and 22nd AF Command Chief Master Sgt. Michael Thorpe took time to meet our Airmen and learn first-hand about the 302nd AW's mission during their March and April timeframe visits.  In addition to sharing with our visitors the association initiatives in the Colorado Springs Regional Command Post, Force Support Squadron and with our active associate flying squadron, the 52nd AS, our distinguished visitors gained a greater appreciation and understanding of the wing's special missions and capabilities during their time with us.

Thank you for all you do.  Your individual efforts have a significant and positive impact on the overall success of the wing and are appreciated.  Congratulations to all 302nd AW members, past and present, on a tremendous thirty years!