Installation commander addresses community leaders at State of the Base

Col. David Miller Jr., 460th Space Wing commander on Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., addresses community leaders at the annual State of the Base, Jan. 18, 2017, in Aurora. The State of the Base allows the installation commander to review the accomplishments of 2016, and give a preview of what is to come in 2017.

Installation commander addresses community leaders at State of the Base

Tech. Sgt. Jacqueline Woodard, 460th Medical Group dental technician, poses for a photo Jan. 17, 2016, at the dental clinic on Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. Woodard was recognized by Col. David Miller Jr., 460th Space Wing commander, for representing Airmen and Families through optimizing readiness and resiliency for the Airmen and families of Buckley.

Installation commander addresses community leaders at State of the Base

Staff Sgt. Bryce Neff, 460th Security Forces Squadron flight chief, debriefs Airmen coming off duty during shift change Jan. 13, 2017, on Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. Neff was highlighted by Col. David Miller Jr., 460th Space Wing commander, for his exceptional performance with ensuring Installation Readiness through numerous exercises and assessments.

Installation commander addresses community leaders at State of the Base

Staff Sgt. Geoffrey LeClaire, 2nd Space Warning Squadron NCOIC of resource scheduling on Buckley air Force Base, poses for a family portrait. LeClaire was highlighted by Col. David Miller Jr., 460th Space Wing commander, for representing Mission Excellence while operating the space-based missile warning system.

Installation commander addresses community leaders at State of the Base

Col. David Miller Jr., 460th Space Wing commander on Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., shakes hands with George “Skip” Noe, Aurora city manager, Jan. 18, 2017, after the State of the Base in Aurora. The State of the Base allows the installation commander to review the accomplishments of 2016, and give a preview of what is to come in 2017.

Installation commander addresses community leaders at State of the Base

Published Jan. 19, 2017
By Airman Jacob Deatherage

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Col. David Miller Jr., 460th Space Wing commander, seized the opportunity to address local community leaders at the annual State of the Base, Jan. 18, 2017, at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Aurora, Colo.

The State of the Base allows the commander of Buckley Air Force Base to review the base’s activities and accomplishments from 2016, and give a preview of what to expect in 2017. The conference also covers the economic relationship between the city of Aurora and the base.

During his address, Miller highlighted a few Airmen who represent his priorities for the base.

Staff Sgt. Bryce Neff, 460th Security Forces Squadron flight chief who represented Installation Readiness, is responsible for a group of 20 Airmen and plays a critical role in improving anti-terrorism and force protection as well as security of the base.

Staff Sgt. Geoffrey LeClaire, 2nd Space Warning Squadron NCOIC of resource scheduling who represents Mission Excellence, operates through the space missile warning system and ensures that America and its allies are aware and protected from missile launches.

Tech. Sgt. Jacqueline Woodard, 460th Medical Group dental technician who represents Airmen and Families, optimizes readiness and resiliency for the Airmen and families of Buckley AFB through on and off base programs and emerging opportunities.

Miller also highlighted the five major base partners who play a significant role in the mission on Buckley and their contribution to the State of Colorado.

The Air Reserve Personnel Center delivers exceptional personnel service to 53 active-duty bases where reservists and guardsmen are assigned, and 54 Air National Guard Headquarters bases.

The 140th wing operates and maintains rapidly deployable, survivable and endurable space-based infrared systems, and supports domestic operations in response to state emergencies and/or natural disasters.

The largest Buckley base partner, the Aerospace Date Facility delivers integrated intelligence and 24/7 operations.

The Navy Operations Support Center plays a critical role for Buckley providing mission-capable units and individuals to combatant commanders.

Last but not least, the Colorado Army National Guard trains aircrew members to support their wartime and state missions, maintaining mission-ready aircraft to respond to state emergencies.

These units hosted by Buckley play a significant role in the preparedness for any crisis in the state of Colorado. But aside from the mission-ready installations, Buckley provides critical economic support to the city of Aurora. This year the economic impact was over $900 million, with over 4,000 jobs created.

“We are members of this community,” said Miller. “My Airmen live next door to you, their families live next door to you, so it’s important to us that we establish a good readiness posture and that we are welcome to our neighbors.

“To the community of Aurora, we thank you,” the commander added. “We continue to rely on good support from our local community to be successful at Buckley AFB.”