News

The 'dearness' of USAFA

  • Published
  • By Col. Stacey Hawkins
  • 10th Air Base Wing commander
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Recently, our Superintendent issued a challenge for the USAFA community to collectively own a strong culture of commitment and climate of respect for all. Citing American Revolutionary Thomas Paine, Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson implored us to "personally invest in and own" the Academy's dear mission of "Producing lieutenants for our Air Force and Leaders for our nation."
Paine's famous quote, "What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is the dearness only that gives everything its value," can also be used to describe the personal investment of the many individuals over the past 60 years who've invested in making the Air Force's Academy an exemplary installation visited by hundreds of thousands each year and widely admired around the world.

Part of the Academy's "dearness" is inherent in its unique location on the edge of the Rampart Range, complete with stunning topography, iconic buildings and vast untouched land. More important is the sustained dedication of the military and civilian Airmen who have held the Academy "dear" through their dedication to the critical support functions and activities which directly contribute to the vital USAFA mission.

Thousands of civilian and military public servants have devoted a large part of their professional careers to supporting the mission of the Air Force's Academy. Many are renowned as the "best of the best" in their respective fields and turned down more lucrative offers to work here at USAFA in support of the cadet mission. Across the organizational spectrum of operations, which includes personnel and manpower, communications, security, civil engineering, logistics, contracting, business operations, medical and legal assistance, our Academy is abundant with selfless military and civilian Airmen who pursue their careers serving a purpose greater than themselves -- a purpose each holds dearly.

One such example is Mike Barker, who's served as the Ten Pin Grill Bowling Center manager for over 35 years. Mike serves junior Airmen, cadets and cadet candidates today with the same enthusiasm he did when I was a fourth classman some 27 years ago. At the bowling center, he does it all -- manager, equipment maintenance (he can often times be found fixing the pinsetters himself to save repair dollars), chef and even large group party host! Mike has touched countless airmen, cadet and "Preppie" lives by uplifting spirits and providing an outlet from the sometimes grinding Academy pace of life. He does it because he cares about USAFA and knows he plays a role in developing leaders of character for our Air Force.

Ron Martinez started at USAFA in Mitchell Hall, Oct. 10, 1972, and has been fueling our force for almost 42 years! A three-time Employee of the Quarter nominee, he contributes to the service of over 12,000 meals to 4,000 Cadets daily, which amounts to over 3.6 million meals annually. He can be found serving during the evening shift now, but served during the morning shift for 13 years and as the server for 12 VIPs. When not working in Mitchell Hall, he can be found serving our permanent party Airmen and cadet candidates at the High Country Inn Dining Facility -- a service he's proudly provided for 29 years.

And then there's Carol Mohr. Carol has served in the 10th Contracting Squadron for 43 years and is a perfect example of what is so important to USAFA. Since 1971, Carol witnessed the first women admitted to the Academy in 1976. She has seen the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly overhead in three different aircraft" F-4, T-38 and F-16s. She's witnessed 42 graduating cadet classes, worked under the command of 14 superintendents, and seen security changes from the time when USAFA was an open tourist destination to a post 9/11 secure cadet area. Her wisdom and depth of experience is unparalleled, as only that of a person with 43 years of service could be.

There are many such legends across the USAFA community: Tony Scites, who for 27 years has made sure the immaculate greens of the Eisenhower Golf Course are among the most challenging within the Defense Department.; Stu Stewart, who's provided audio and visual support to scores of Air Force senior leaders and Hollywood's elite entertainers over the past four decades, and Robert King, working in custodial operations for the past 35 years, keeping the Academy pristine.

Thank you, Mike, Ron, Carol, Tony, Stu, and Robert and many others for all that you have provided and contributed to the generations of leaders our Academy has produced. Thank you for holding our purpose so dearly, as we in turn hold each of you.

In the midst of constrained budgets during the current interwar period, your Academy installation support professionals will continue to provide the best possible infrastructure, facilities and programs to all cadets, faculty, staff, and retiree customers. Together, we will work towards developing innovative solutions to complex problems to preserve the value and distinctiveness of our Academy. It is our collective passion for what we hold dear about this vital Air Force mission and captivating installation that will sustain our beloved institution for decades to come.