One Year Later; One Year Wiser Published Feb. 23, 2011 By Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson 45th Soace Wing PATRICK AFB, Fla. -- It's hard for us to believe that it was a year last Saturday that Lisa and I (and our children) had the wonderful opportunity to become a part of "Team Patrick." And what a year it's been. A few months after getting here, our Guardian Challenge Team traveled out to Colorado and captured our 4th consecutive GC victory, and at the same time we were recognized as the best wing in the 14th Air Force and Air Force Space Command (Gen. Thomas Moorman Award). Fast forward a few more months to last October, and we were honored with hosting Air Force Week, where literally tens of thousands of participants from all over Florida were treated to a wide variety of Air Force assets, including the always-thrilling "Thunderbirds" and always-entertaining "Tops in Blue." But even with all this - and so much more to be proud of - nothing says "who we are," like the work we did to ensure an unbroken string of safe, successful launches for the nation. Gen. Shelton highlighted the same thing during his visit this week. Through all of the launch activity we've also continually deployed more than 100 servicemembers a month (including our mission partners). You've made it look easy, plus we've been mindful to care for loved ones left behind. It's a reflection of how much the team cares. What we do here does not go unnoticed, nor will it ever go unappreciated. That being said, we all know you don't go through life only glancing at the rear view mirror. As we begin our second year here on the Space Coast, we don't have to look far to see the many challenges right in front of us. Over the course of the next three weeks alone, we have three launches on our schedule (Shuttle Discovery, Atlas V/OTV-2 and Delta IV/NROL-27). Later in the year, it'll be more of the same, to include the final launch of a Space Shuttle and more SpaceX Falcon-9 launches, as well as new commercial customers on the range, such as Masten Aerospace. Before you know it, we'll also have the opportunity to welcome the Air Force Space Command Inspector General's Team for an ORI/UCI. As they say, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. We're confident each of us will do all in our power to ensure we maintain our edge - and much-deserved reputation. You have made our first year here more memorable than we could have ever imagined, it's been a privilege to serve side-by-side with such an amazing team. We are truly "living the dream!" Once again, thanks for all you do.