Col Belote bids farewell to the Airmen of Nellis and Creech Published March 11, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Michael Charles Nellis Public Affairs Office NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Only one word can describe Col. Dave Belote's tenure as the 99th Air Base Wing commander: success. Being the commander at one of the busiest bases in the U.S. Air Force isn't for the faint of heart. Over the last two years, the "Mayor" of Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases has seen everything from a Presidential visit to the filming of an episode for the Bravo Channel's Top Chef show. "Here at Nellis, every member of our chain of command has visited in the last two years to include the President, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Air Force, and Chief of Staff of the Air Force," Colonel Belote said. "What, at any other place, would be the event of a decade is just another day at Nellis." "The awards attributed to Nellis are a measure of the Airmen's willingness to succeed," Colonel Belote said. "If I am successful as a commander, it's because as Sir Isaac Newton said, 'I stand on the shoulders of giants.' I have brilliant subordinate commanders, chiefs, first sergeants, and NCOs who care whole-heartedly. The awards we have received during my tenure are more a reflection on them than on me." Colonel Belote assumed command of the 99 ABW in 2008, leaving his wife and three sons in Virginia because of continuity in special services needed for his autistic son, Drew, that was not available in Nevada. "I would have loved to share this experience with my family; however, my wife and I knew when I was offered the tremendous opportunity to serve as commander of Nellis, I couldn't pass up the opportunity of a lifetime," Colonel Belote said. I'm fortunate enough to be able to fulfill the job of a lifetime and my family is still able to receive the support they need." Now after serving the U.S. Air Force with distinction for more than 24 years he is relinquishing his command of the 99th Air Base Wing and retiring from active-duty service to rejoin his wife and children in Virginia. "I am looking forward to rejoining my wife of 25 years and hanging out with our three wacky sons," Colonel Belote said. "I am also anxious to see where the next step of my journey takes me," Colonel Belote said. Colonel Belote hopes to have left an impact on the lives of the Airmen under his command in the 99 ABW. "I always tried to find a way, whether talking to an airman first class or a colonel, to explain what their piece of the big Air Force picture in terms of National Security was," Colonel Belote said. "I also hope that I've made it clear to each Airman that his or her contribution is noticed and appreciated and they are what make the U.S. Air Force the best air power in the world." Colonel Belote has not only been able to share his experiences with the future leaders of the Air Force, but he has also garnered valuable lessons from the Airmen who have worked alongside him. "Being commander of Nellis has re-taught me that there is nothing a U.S. Air Force Airman can't do," Colonel Belote said. "I have benefited richly from Nellis and Creech Airmen's energy, pride, and focus which in turn has made my job easier." The ending of more than 24 years of military service comes as a bittersweet moment for Colonel Belote. "I will miss the sparkle in the eyes, and fire in the belly, of every Airman that you meet," Colonel Belote said. "I will never forget, observing from Airmen, that tangible sense of energy and love for the U.S. Air Force, and what this installation complex represents." "It has been the most profound privilege of my life to serve as the commander of the 99th ABW," Colonel Belote said. "Making sure Airmen had the environment they wanted to work in and to know his or her contribution mattered and was recognized. It has been a privilege and a joy, and I thank each Airman from Nellis, Creech, and the Range for what they have given me. My spirit will always be with Nellis and Creech." Col. Dave Belote will be relinquishing command of the 99th ABW to Col. Steve Garland during a change of command ceremony March 12, at the Thunderbird hangar at 9 a.m. His retirement from active-duty service will be held at 3 p.m. at the Nellis Officers' Club.
