HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – 66th Air Base Group leaders addressed topics and ongoing initiatives from around the installation during a commanders call here Oct. 12.
Col. Taona Enriquez, 66 ABG and installation commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, 66 ABG and installation command chief, highlighted big wins for the Hanscom community in the face of recent challenges, including a main base power outage in September that officials are still working to resolve.
“This has been a busy quarter for us all, but it has presented us with opportunities to excel,” said Enriquez.
Both leaders lauded the resiliency of base residents and personnel for their flexibility and shared commitment to mission success.
“There is such a thing as healthy disruptions, and we’re a stronger team because of [these challenges],” said Weary. “We all have a better resolve and understanding of what we all do so we can better integrate our missions.”
Another win for the installation came in the Air Force’s recent financial incentive to recruit Child and Youth Program employees, said Enriquez.
Effective Oct. 1, Air Force Child Development Program direct-care employees will receive a 100 percent childcare fee waiver for their first child enrolled in installation Child Development Programs, with other discounts available for additional enrolled children.
“Taking care of our families has been our number one priority since I took command, and it will stay our number one priority,” said Enriquez.
The commander also spoke about an initiative to keep the base and local communities connected. In partnering with the 66th Air Base Group Legal Office, defenders from the 66th Security Forces Squadron are currently registering drivers from a rideshare company to access the base.
According to the command team, both the planned and unplanned challenges have only further shaped the trajectory of Hanscom’s path forward.
“We are in awe of what our CEOs [civilians, enlisted members and officers] have been able to accomplish through teamwork and comradery these last few months, and we look forward to many more wins to come,” said Weary.