Senior leader visits; summer safety reminders Published Aug. 1, 2014 By Brig. Gen. Nina Armagno 45th Space Wing Commander PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Let me begin by saying what an honor it was for the Sharks of the 45th Space Wing to host Lt. Gen. John W. Raymond, and his wife, Mollie earlier this week. Gen. Raymond serves as the commander of the 14th Air Force, (Air Forces Strategic), Air Force Space Command; and also as the commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Space, U.S. Strategic Command, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. In other words, there are not many leaders in our Air Force who understand better than Gen. Raymond the importance of what we do here at Team Patrick-Cape, and I was so happy to have him be able to meet and talk with so many of you. From Gen. Raymond's early morning breakfast with a large group of junior enlisted Airmen, to his All Call in a standing-room-only Base Theater, and during the interaction he had with other military, civilian and contractor employees (The "Big A") during tours of both Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, your professionalism and devotion to duty were obvious for all to see. I know I say this often, but at times like these, I sometimes just stand there in awe of the team I get the honor to lead. So I'll say it again - I am SO PROUD to be your commander. Let me quickly change gears and discuss something near and dear to my heart: your safety. Right now, we are more than halfway through the Critical Days of Summer and according to the great folks in our 45th Space Wing Safety Office, our reportable mishaps are down 75 percent from last one year. I have two words for that. Wow! Thanks! That's a tremendous accomplishment, and a testament to each and every one of you. Team, remember that these numbers can change in the blink of an eye, and not for the better. Please continue to be a good Wingman, both off- and on-duty. Remember, as soon as you see a safety mistake and don't fix it, it becomes your mistake, so have the moral courage to step in and take action. We don't want anyone from our team to learn safety by accident. Stay Focused, Sharks!