The Summer 'Transition Season' is upon us; One chance to make good first impression!

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Nina Armagno
  • Commander, 45th Space Wing
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  If you're anything like me, you're probably looking at the calendar and doing a quick double-take!

Weren't we just celebrating the holidays and welcoming in a new year just a little while back?

Yet somehow ... inexplicably ... we're already in June and less than three weeks short of the first day of summer.

And that means one thing for all of us who are either in or affiliated with the military -- the summer season is often filled with Permanent Change of Station (PCS) "goodbye's and hello's."

For those of you who are leaving "Team Patrick-Cape," please know how much we value and appreciate your service.

What you did here - and what you may do down the road if you're lucky enough to get stationed here again - had a positive impact on our goal of achieving and maintaining "100% Mission Success."

Please take that same "can-do" attitude with you wherever it is you are going, and whatever it is you will be asked to do. Do that, and you're guaranteed future success.

We wish nothing but the best for you and your loved ones. And remember this ... "once a Shark, always a Shark!"

Here at the 45th Space Wing, we currently have nine changes of command scheduled over the next several weeks, including mine on Aug. 4, when command of the 45th Space Wing will be transferred to Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith.

Team, as you're well aware, we only get one chance to make a good first impression.  And we all know how lasting that vision can be.

This is why I am directing all Airmen (the Big "A") to both recognize and emphasize the importance of an effective Airmen sponsorship program. It's our first chance to fulfill the 45 SW Priority: Invest in People!

It's our first chance to "Connect" with our newest teammates!

We'll focus on ensuring our incoming Airmen and their family members will receive the best reception possible. Think back; what would you or your family have liked to be done differently or better when you PCS'ed in the past? What did you really appreciate?

Well, do that for them.

Remember, the key aspect of superior sponsorship service is understanding the needs of the newcomer.

Do the little things!

Make and stay in contact, follow through, ask questions, be open, honest and positive, and, most importantly, listen to what they're saying and try to determine their special needs or interests.

Not only is taking care of our Airmen and families the right thing to do, a good sponsorship program also serves as a mission enhancer. In helping our newcomers relax, settle in and get their personal issues settled, the quicker they can contribute to the mission.

Being a good sponsor is not a difficult task; it is nothing more than being a good friend.

A good neighbor.

A good Wingman.

It's a win-win situation for all of us.  

Stay Focused Sharks!

 

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