Welcome to Buckley; "Ya'll come back now"

Published Aug. 16, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rau
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Every month more than 30 of the newest Team Buckley members file into Building 606 for their wing-directed Buckley Newcomers Briefing. Most of the attendees are service members, but civilian contractors and spouses are highly encouraged to attend.

The group includes a range of ranks from airman basic to colonel from units on and off base all beginning their tour of duty at Buckley. This briefing is the first chance for the installation commander to connect with his newest team members.

"I want to express my goals and priorities to the wing personally," said Col. Daniel Dant, 460th Space Wing commander. "It is important that they hear these from base leadership."

At the briefing Team Buckley is given information on educational benefits, TRICARE enrollment and many other available base programs. In addition to the military aspect of the briefing, the speakers inform the new members and the families about the opportunities and hazards associated with Colorado.

"We do this to get people familiar with Buckley's assets and local community," explained Latoya Marble, Buckley Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant and newcomers briefing coordinator. "We want them to get the information of what's going on at Buckley and take it back to their families."

The newcomers seemed to have had a good first impression of the base and found the briefing helpful.

"I came from Hill Air Force Base and Buckley is really nice," said Capt. Ryan Kemnitz, a new arrival to the 2nd Space Warning Squadron. "The briefing gives a good overview of all the services offered."

The briefing also provides helpful information regarding dependents that couldn't make it event. It highlights many programs that are easily overlooked in the day-to-day routines associated with certain jobs in the military.

"There are a lot of things available that I didn't know existed, like tuition assistance for spouses," said Maj. Robert Mclean, Air Force Accounting and Finance Office new arrival. "Today, I am the ears for my wife."