We can do this together with strength, positivity

  • Published
  • By Kathryn L. Kolbe
  • 75th Air Base Wing commander
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Team Hill,

On Oct. 1, the Department of Defense and our Air Force entered a new phase of operations that requires our entire team to unite, support our fellow wingmen and find solutions to tough problems.

As the full effects of the government shutdown become evident, it is imperative that our team stays strong and positive to ensure we meet the needs of our nation.

Fortunately, we have an incredible team of Airmen and innovative thinkers skilled in making the difficult look easy. I am certain we can continue to do so in the days ahead.

The efforts to reduce spending that occurred earlier this year will persist as we move forward, and we will continue to strive to find ways to mitigate the impact of cuts to the Air Force budget. Already, we have greatly reduced travel expenditures, deferred sustainment and maintenance activities, and reduced temporary and term civilian appointments.

Last week nearly 2,700 of our civilian employees were able to return from furlough, yet some are still furloughed and will not return until the government shutdown ends. Some of those who returned and those still on furlough, received only 60 percent of their normal paycheck. The comptroller squadron is working everyday with higher headquarters to fix the problem.

We've seen first-hand how the furlough impacts the continuity of our daily operations. Military members picked up the slack where they could, as did our exempt and excepted civilians. This added additional stress for everyone during this challenging time. As good wingmen, we need to keep an eye on all our fellow Airmen.

I am very proud of the way that all of our Team Hill Airmen, military and civilian, have kept a positive attitude, and I encourage all to stay strong during this time. While there seems much we do not know, I do know our workload continues and our customers still need our support to accomplish their diverse Team Hill mission sets. Our mission and our purpose for coming to work each and every day is just as important today as it was six months ago.

This week Air Force Sustainment Center leaders will not participate in our typical work schedule, and we will instead focus our time on listening and visiting work centers. We will do our best to answer any questions you might have about the impact of the shutdown, personnel actions, policy decisions and pay. We will take your feedback and concerns, share them with our leadership, and strive to provide the positive work environment you deserve.

My expectation is that the coming weeks will still be challenging. I am certain that Hill's outstanding commanders, directors, chiefs, shirts, supervisors, civilians and all Airmen will find solutions to the challenges that lie ahead, and work toward ensuring we are part of a positive, flexible, and supportive work environment.

A wing commander cannot ask for a better team of Airmen to lead during this chaotic time, and I thank you for all your hard work and everything you and your families do for our Air Force and our nation.