A New Year for Strategic Airmen at Vandenberg Published Jan. 8, 2008 By Col. Steve Tanous 30 Space Wing Commander VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- It is hard to believe 2007 has come to an end. The year flew by. Team V had a great year, and you are the ones that made it happen. Even as we reflect on the past, we must look to the future. As we start 2008, I need you to put your "Strategic Airman" hat on. Airmen are strategic when they think about the big picture and understand how their decision and actions at the tactical level - in the field or in your workcenter - have strategic impact at the wing level and beyond, reflecting a conscious and deliberate process. Your ideas are the ones that will make a difference to the wing and your Nation. A strategic Airman is someone who cares about getting the job done and getting it done right. They're an expert in what they do. They think outside the box. They see the opportunity and they jump on it. They take action and make a difference. Every day, we deal with the impacts of personnel and budget cuts. Our infrastructure is getting older. And our ops tempo hasn't let up. However, our mission focus must not waver. No matter what, we are here for the mission - to deliver space power to the joint war fight. To be a Strategic Airman, you must: Be Aware - What you do may have impact far beyond your shop, your unit, this wing. Be Thoughtful - Your ideas make a difference. Be Intentional - Act with purpose.. Make A Positive Difference Every Day Strategic Airmen see a problem, identify a solution, and then make things happen. If you have an idea for improvement, bounce it off your peers. They might be able to help you refine a solution or implementation. Then take it to your squadron leadership. Your leadership can provide alternative perspectives or support for more challenging aspects of your idea. Your squadron and group provide AFSO 21 ideas to the wing in their Weekly Activity Report. We'll use this forum to share these ideas, act on the ones that produce results, and look to leverage ways of doing things more efficiently. The Innovative Development through Employee Awareness (IDEA) program is designed to recognize and reward individuals whose suggestions improve the efficiency, economy, and effectiveness of Air Force, Department of Defense, and federal government operations. If you submit an idea that gets implemented Air Force wide, you can be rewarded with a monetary or non-monetary award. That is something you can take to the bank! You can find the IDEA website at https://ipds.mont.disa.mil/IPDS/dv_new_home_page. As a team, we will make Vandenberg the crown jewel of Air Force Space Command. Your efforts continue to exemplify the Air Force core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All You Do. Thanks again for what you do every day. I look forward to another great year working with the best Airmen the Air Force has to offer. Happy New Year!