Wing commander to Airmen: You are the face of Spangdahlem

Published Nov. 20, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Joe W. McFadden
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Speaking on topics from recent inspections to wearing reflective belts, Col. David Julazadeh, commander of 52nd Fighter Wing, spoke to nearly 2,000 Saber Airmen during three commander's calls at the Skelton Memorial Fitness Center Nov. 18.

The commander conducted the calls, themed "Faces of Spangdahlem," to share his assessment on the state of the wing in 2013 and its mission of defending American and Allied interests while building partner capacities.

"I've been your wing commander for a year and a half, and every single day is absolutely amazing because of the things you do," Julazadeh said. "You are at the top of your game. We are truly the best base in the United States Air Force. I'm thoroughly impressed with everything you've done, and I look forward to the new year."

Julazadeh spoke about the results of the Joint Staff Integrated Vulnerability Assessment and the Unit Effectiveness Inspection conducted in September.

"We did a fantastic job, especially considering the challenges we faced throughout 2013," he said. "We were the first Air Force base to execute the new Air Force Inspection System under the completely revised [Air Force Instruction]-- and you crushed it."

Of particular note, the commander lauded members of First Four, the junior enlisted council, citing their "contagious positive energy across the community."

"The UEI team was absolutely floored with our First Four," Julazadeh said. "The things you do and your incredible level of involvement around the base impressed the team tremendously."

Shifting from the inspections to continuing safety checks, the commander briefly discussed U.S. Air Forces in Europe's new "Step Up, Step In--Take Personal Responsibility" awareness campaign as well as COMUSAFE's upcoming safety initiative requiring Airmen to take part in core-group style discussions. This initiative focuses on identifying and communicating potentials risks and dangers both at home and work, promoting responsible behavior and fostering a culture of responsible decision-making.

To the surprise and delight of many Sabers, he stated he would not renew the base's mandatory reflective belt policy in non-flightline or maintenance areas stating individuals should "use common sense: walk on sidewalks, use crosswalks, look both ways when you cross the street - the things you learned when you were a kid - and exercise caution when walking near automobiles."

Additionally, he asked those driving cars to observe posted speed limits and always be mindful of pedestrians, especially in marked crosswalk.

"Be careful, be aware when you come to a crosswalk," he said. "Be sure to look both ways and don't hit someone while they're using the crosswalk," he said.

As temperatures drop, road conditions will ultimately worsen, the commander said. He urged all Sabers to not tune out alerts or believe their present automobile can weather the harshest conditions.

"Driving around here can be challenging," Julazadeh said. "Most accidents are the result of inattentive driving or driving too fast for conditions. It doesn't matter how awesome your care is or how much money you spent on those tires: ice is ice. Please slow down. I depart in July and I would love to see all of you at my farewell."

The commander then highlighted the consequences for those who violate the Department of Defense's zero-tolerance policy for illegal drug use. In addition to violators being subjected to a possible federal conviction, a discharge from service and/or confinement, they may also experience loss of rank and pay, a loss of education and other service-related benefits.

"Don't do drugs!" Julazadeh said. "It's not good for you physically and your job prospects in the civilian world with a federal conviction, little education, and [an Under Other Than Honorable Conditions,] or bad conduct discharge, aren't very good."

The wing commander then spotlighted the recent achievements of the base populace through volunteerism, academic achievement, promotion and excellence.

The Fall Holiday Bazaar, with 108 vendors and 531 volunteers, resulted in gross sales in excess of $430,000, with an estimated $90,000 going back to the Airmen and community.

Julazadeh announced the winner of the new commander's coin design as Jamie Burnett, 52nd Force Support Squadron. Burnett earned a $150 gift card as well as the honor of receiving the first new coin once minted.

Lastly, the commander reviewed the major events of the past year, including the inactivation of the 81st Fighter Squadron and visits from distinguished visitors ranging from four-star generals and Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, the rock group Korn and the country singer Aaron Tippin.

The commander began and completed the all calls with videos produced by the 52nd FW Public Affairs office showcasing the collective faces of Spangdahlem and the mission in 2013.

"This base is amazing, you are amazing...and I just want to say 'Thank you,'" the commander said. "Have a wonderful holiday season, and I look forward to seeing you in 2014."

But before the holidays began, Julazadeh ended each session with the wing's rallying cry--one that reverberated throughout the fitness center.

"SABERS!" "SEEK! ATTACK! DESTROY!"

Promotion Selections to Captain
1st Lt. Andrew Anderson, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron
1st Lt. Portia Daniels, 52nd Comptroller Squadron
1st Lt. Josh Dryden, 52nd Operations Support Squadron
1st Lt. Richelle Greer, 52nd Operations Group
1st Lt. Sara Harper, 52nd Fighter Wing
1st Lt. Lara Harris, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron
1st Lt. Janeth Howell, 470th Air Base Squadron
1st Lt. David Hunt, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron
1st Lt. James Mackey, 52nd Operations Support Squadron
1st Lt. Vincent Marzano, 52nd Comptroller Squadron
1st Lt. Jessica McCallister, 606th Air Combat Squadron
1st Lt. Broderick Morris, 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron
1st Lt. Steve Riedl, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
1st Lt. Jeff Rodriguez, 52nd Component Maintenance Squadron
1st Lt. Don Sims, 52nd Communications Squadron
1st Lt. Chris Teilman, 52nd Operations Support Squadron
1st Lt. Lucia White, 52nd Force Support Squadron
1st Lt. Christen Chandler 52nd Medical Operations Squadron
1st Lt. Sara Martin 52nd Medical Operations Squadron
1st Lt. Adam Pfannenstein 52nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron
1st Lt. Julie Song
1st Lt. Adam Wenke
1st Lt. Ryan Hess
1st Lt. Danielle Ackerman,
1st Lt. Joe Baza, 52nd Contracting Squadron

Promotion Selections to Chief Master Sergeant
Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Bailey, Air Forces Network
Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Brembah, 52nd Force Support Squadron
Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Flambard, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron
Senior Master Sgt. Sandra Scott, 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron
Senior Master Sgt. Jeremy Sutfin, 702nd Munitions Support Squadron
Senior Master Sgt. Allan Turk II, 52nd Operations Support Squadron
Senior Master Sgt. Robert Urbani, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron

Awards: USAFE Level
Info Dominance and/or Cyber Ops
Harry Mann: Outstanding Civilian Assistant Specialist
Tech. Sgt. Rey Marquez: Outstanding Airfield Systems NCO
52ndnd Communications Squadron: AF Lt. Gen. Harold Grant Award

52nd Fighter Wing Quarterly Awards: Third Quarter
Company Grade Officer: Capt. Kevin Diefenderfer (52nd Civil Engineer Squadron)
Senior NCO: Senior Master Sgt. Paul Ellis (52nd Dental Squadron)
NCO: Tech Sgt. Jeremiah Bybee (703rd Munitions Support Squadron)
Airman: Senior Airman Ryan Warner (52nd Operations Support Squadron)
Honor Guardsman: Staff Sgt. Ben Nason (606th Air Combat Squadron)
Civilian, Category I: Matthias Huewels (52nd Civil Engineer Squadron)
Civilian, Category II: Jean Bruno Metzen (52nd Civil Engineer Squadron)
Military Volunteer: Tech. Sgt. Jeremiah Bybee (703rd Munitions Support Squadron)

Awards: NCO Academy
Class 13-6
Tech. Sgt. Jeff Gieras, 52nd Force Support Squadron (Distinguished Graduate & Academic Achievement)
Tech. Sgt. Francisco Montejano, 701st Munitions Support Squadron (Distinguished Graduate)

Class 13-7
Tech. Sgt. Ernest Hatley, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (Distinguished Graduate)
Tech. Sgt. Michael Selfridge, 52nd Maintenance Group (Distinguished Graduate)

Awards: Airman Leadership School
Class 13-F
Senior Airman Brian Todd, 703rd Munitions Support Squadron (Levitow Award)
Senior Airman Richard Hiort, 52nd Component Maintenance Squadron (Distinguished Graduate & Leadership Award)
Senior Airman Jacob Crabtree, 52nd Medical Support Squadron (Distinguished Graduate & Academic Achievement)

Class 13-G
Senior Airman Joe Townsend, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron (Levitow Award)
Senior Airman JeMarco Brooks, 52nd LRS (Distinguished Graduate)
Senior Airman Dennis Davila, 52nd Dental Squadron (Distinguished Graduate)
Senior Airman Alison Hill, 52nd Component Maintenance Squadron (Academic Achievement)
Senior Airman Ed Bodenheimer, 52nd Communications Squadron (Leadership Award)

Class 14-A
Senior Airman Zongtag Vang, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron (Levitow Award)
Senior Airman Lee Lamarre, 52nd Contracting Squadron (Distinguished Graduate & Leadership Award)
Senior Airman Robert Ivey, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron (Distinguished Graduate)
Senior Airman Brian Wintemberg, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron (Academic Achievement)

Awards: Dorms

3rd Quarter
1st Place Building 227
2nd Place Building 225
3rd Place Building 333
Best Room Airman 1st Class Monisha Brown (52nd Civil Engineer Squadron)

4th Quarter
1st Place Buildings 134/140 (Tie)
2nd Place Building 333
3rd Place Building 225
Best Room Airman 1st Class Anna Martinez (AFN)