What I know now Published June 8, 2009 By Lt. Col. Shannon Klug 30th Weather Squadron commander VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- I've been at Vandenberg for two years as the 30th Weather Squadron commander. When I was chosen to be the commander, it was like a dream come true, and I've been living the dream ever since. Before coming to Vandenberg, I thought I knew what it would be like, but I was wrong. Here's what I know now. 1. Everyone in Team V supports our launch mission. The 30th Mission Support Group not only provides the power, upkeep and safety to our facilities, but they do the same for our people. We couldn't launch anything if our folks weren't cared for by the 30th MSG. Likewise, the 30th Medical Group keeps us all healthy and ready to perform our daily mission or deploy. The 30th Launch Group is here to make sure that every launch vehicle and payload is ready for the big day. Every screw has been turned and every component tested. Finally, the 30th Operations Group operates the Western Range radars, command transmitters and a multitude of systems that ensure the launch vehicles fly safe and on a true course. Then there are the tenant units that train future space operators and maintainers, test the enduring Minuteman IIIs or vigilantly sit watch in the Joint Space Operations Center. A former wing commander used say that our successful launches were like a million miracles coming together at one moment. I disagree. We can't credit our success to happenstance. It is solidly the result of millions of hours of hard work by our team that result in the roaring success of a launch vehicle shooting into the sky from Vandenberg. 2. Team V isn't just a concept, it's a reality. The tenant units and 30th Space Wing participate in many great events together: recalls, Operation Kids Christmas, the Texas Blowout, Special Olympics, impromptu relay races and intramurals. 3. Safety really is job No. 1! The 30th SW Safety office runs thousands of calculations throughout the launch window to ensure that the population of Vandenberg and all Central Coast communities are safe during a launch. 4. Unit deployment managers work tirelessly around the clock to make our deployments and redeployments as stress free as possible. We have successfully deployed hundreds of Airmen with only one poignant and sorrowful loss during my tenure. We've weathered injuries and deployment stress, but we should rejoice in those that have returned unharmed to the relief of family and friends. 5. A good chief is a treasure trove of wisdom and experience. 6. Vandenberg is either foggy or windy. Many times it is foggy and windy. But rarely is it neither! 7. First Shirts know it all ... and if they don't know have an answer, they know someone who does! 8. Vandenberg has a real hometown feel. The youth programs here are phenomenal. Sometimes it's difficult to convince my kids to come home! Whether I recognize them or not, every kid in the Vandenberg Youth Center knows I'm "Holly's mom!" Team V is a family that I will miss. 9. I can run a half marathon thanks to my physical training leader, unit fitness program manager and director of operations, all of who motivated and encouraged me to run farther and faster. 10. While I'm running on the miles of trails across Vandenberg, breathing in the clean ocean air touched with the scent of eucalyptus or pine, and sharing the trails with deer, coyote, birds and snakes, I'm thankful for this pristine piece of heaven on earth.