It's our responsibility to grow leaders

1/21/11 --
For the second time in a seven-day period, we have had changes at the leadership level here at the 45th Space Wing.

One week ago today, Col. Denette Sleeth assumed command of the 45th Operations Group from Col. James Ross. Later today, Col. Ross will be assuming the 45th Space Wing Vice Commander responsibilities from Col. André Lovett, who, along with his wife, Lisa, are retiring after 28 outstanding years of service to his nation and Air Force.

The Wilson family and our wing will miss the Lovett's very much, and more mportantly, so will the entire Air Force.

Many of us don't always do well with change. But, as we all know, change is as inevitable in life just as it is in every facet of military life.

As the old saying goes: "The only constant is change."
But for us who wear a uniform, "change" can often mean something more, something personal to each and every one of us.

We would guess most of you (Airmen, civilians and contractors alike) have had your fair share of "favorite commanders or 1st sergeants," or "favorite assignments or jobs" that you never wanted to see change. Never wanted them to go away.

But guess what? They all did and we are all still here.

So we ask that you embrace the change, all while remembering the great work Cols. Lovett and Ross did in their previous jobs. Those two would be the first to ask you to do the exact same thing.

As the year goes on, we will continue to see these kind of changes at all
levels here at the Wing and throughout our Mission Partners as well.

And as we've said many times (we can't say this enough), it's our
responsibility to grow the next generation of leaders.Other than taking care of our mission and our people, there may be nothing else we do more important to our Air Force and our nation as a whole.

Thanks for all you do. Embrace the change.