Straight Talk: Farewell Hanscom

  • Published
  • By Col. Stacy L. Yike
  • 66th Air Force Base commander
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  I am amazed to find myself scribing my final Straight Talk. It seems like just yesterday I was learning how to field questions about remodeling the Dunkin Donuts, respecting the flag and, of course, cutting the grass!

I would like to thank all of my readers for what you do to make Hanscom a better place. Our audience includes active duty, civilians, contractors, retirees, spouses, parents, community members and even kids (Remember the 13 year old who asked about installing windmills on base?). Each of you contributes to the success of Hanscom.

As leaders you stay involved with your subordinates on a daily basis. As followers you enthusiastically execute your mission. As Airmen you reach out to your deployed co-worker or the family just to say hello. As program managers you keep focused on the weapon system delivery as your true mission. As a customer service representative you remember that a customer's frustration is not necessarily your own. As a family member far away you reach out to support your Team Hanscom member.

Maybe you said good morning to someone in the parking lot or picked up a piece of trash on your way to the door. Maybe you participated in Heroes Homecoming and Summer Bash or Heritage of Freedom and professional organizations. Maybe you are a regular at First Friday and the cigar booth. Maybe you stand still for the national anthem to reflect on all you and others do for our great nation.

In all of your daily tasks, you keep the focus not on yourself but on the Airmen of today; the Airman charged with executing our national defense, be it developing our nation's communications systems or deploying them as a warfighter. Your small acts every day honor that mission.

I would also like to thank you for being so kind to me personally. I could not have grown into the commander I am today without all of your support. Thank you for taking care of Hanscom, for remembering that this is our base and that we must take care of it together. Thank you for supporting our nation. We know that our freedoms come at a price and we understand the tradeoffs which must be made.

I am proud to have been a part of Team Hanscom. Your dedication keeps America as the shining example of citizenry in our world today. Thank you for all you do and thank you for making me a part of the family. Farewell Hanscom.