“30 for 30” Challenge: Responsible choices 30 days and beyond Published April 13, 2012 By Col. Nina Armagno 30th Space Wing commander VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Vandenberg Airmen are simply amazing. You hear from me often, praising our many award winners and promotees alike. Our team is certainly a high-performing machine; one I'm incredibly proud to lead. Like many successful teams, we work hard...and we play hard. Yet unfortunately, we have a serious, and growing problem on our hands. All too often it seems, our "play hard" involves the irresponsible use of alcohol. This is a problem that touches us all. Our friends, families, and coworkers are all put at risk by the irresponsible use of alcohol - whether it's through increased risk traveling our roadways, or the serious financial and career impacts stemming from alcohol-related incidents. As your wingman, I truly care for you and your safety, to the extent that I value Safety First as the 30th Space Wing commander. While I wish I could personally protect you, and those you love at every hour, I can't do it alone. I need your help! I hope that through this week's breakout sessions, you stopped to think about how alcohol affects you, the decisions you've made in the past, and how you'll think about alcohol going forward. As leaders, and as wingmen, we each have a vital role in stopping each other from making poor decisions. We rely upon each other to serve our nation with integrity, service before self, and excellence - even giving our lives when called to do so. Why can't we rely upon each other to help us make quality decisions with alcohol? We can - and we will. I expect each of you to be the wingman that stops someone from making a poor choice! To start, if we make it to April 30 without incident, we'll take some much deserved time to spend enjoying our friends and family. When doing so, think back to this month's lessons, and consider how very important the responsible use of alcohol is, and just how devastating its irresponsible use can be. I am proud to be the commander of the 30th Space Wing and to be your wingman. Let's honor ourselves, our families, and the trust our nation has placed in us by making quality, responsible decisions with alcohol. Let's do it, Hawks!