A passion for excellence in all we do

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Matthew Holston
  • 45th Launch Support Squadron Commander
"If a [person] is called to be a street sweeper, [they] should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry.  [They] should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did [their] job well." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Whether big or small, we all have a vital role to play in the mission success of the 45th Space Wing. Recently, I had the privilege of observing an encapsulated GPS IIF satellite being hoisted and mated to its vehicle transporter and then prepared to move to Space Launch Complex 41. 

I was inspired by the expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication of the men and women supporting this critical operation. 

In the middle of the night, their passion shined through in everything they did.  From prepping the facility to walking the transport route, from maneuvering the crane to driving the transporter, from conducting spacecraft mission assurance to providing updates to our senior leaders, each individual played an important role. Their passion for excellence was absolutely essential to mission success.

In our business, the margins for error are slim to none. Our mission to deliver assured space launch, range, and combat capabilities for the Nation requires us to be committed to excellence in all of our efforts.

Having a passion for what we do is not an option.  Rather, it requires us to take action.  Regardless of your role, I challenge each of you to demonstrate your expertise and enthusiasm in everything you do and help others around you catch a vision for excellence.

Let's be passionate about what we do and take pride in our work, our mission, and our Air Force.