Buckley sends three to Leadership Aurora

  • Published
  • By John Spann
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs
Two members of the 460th Space Wing and one from the 140th Wing, Colorado Air National Guard have been selected to participate in the Aurora Chamber of Commerce's 2006-2007 Leadership Aurora program. 

Selected were Lt. Col. Daryl Guill, 460th Mission Support Group deputy commander,
Mrs. Barbara Atwell, 460th SW Public Affairs and Capt. Bill Worrell, 140th Communications Flight commander. 

Leadership Aurora's mission is to provide programs, which prepare current and developing leaders who are committed to shaping Aurora's future. The program
begins in late September and runs through June 2007. 

During that time, class members are exposed to a variety of important issues facing Aurora including education, business and economic development, fire and police protection, healthcare, criminal and civil justice, military and government affairs, community resources, and media training. 

"It's great to have the opportunity to attend this course early on in my assignment here with the Mission Support Group," stated Colonel Guill. "It's a terrific chance to learn more about the Aurora community while at the same time helping the group gain more insight into military life at Buckley. And, as with most classes of this nature, it's always a benefit to build a network of relationships within the local community." 

According to Kimberly Curtis, who oversees the Leadership Program for the Chamber, there were some 50 applicants for 35 positions this year. 

"Every year we get some exceptional candidates for the program and this year was no different," she said. "I think the board had a very hard time deciding the final class make up." 

"As an Air National Guard member, I realize that one of our greatest strengths is the close ties with the community where we serve," said Captain Worrell. "It is my hope that by being selected to be a part of this program, I will be able to both enhance current relationships and build even more. In addition, I also hope to enhance my leadership and problem solving skills as well. After being surrounded by the caliber of people who have been selected for this program for the next 10 months, I know it will be a very rewarding experience." 

"I'm excited about being able to participate in Leadership Aurora," said Mrs. Atwell. "As a longtime resident of Aurora, I look forward to becoming more involved in the community as a person and as the community relations representative for Buckley. I think this will be a valuable experience." 

Class members will attend a retreat in September to begin learning about leadership styles and will complete a variety of team-building exercises to help pull the class together. Then one day each month the class will meet for the day to explore one of the community activities. The class will also participate in a variety of community activities throughout the year.