99th ABW commander's call highlights safety Published Aug. 31, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Oleksandra G. Manko Nellis AFB Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- 99th Air Base Wing quarterly commander's call took place Aug. 30 at the base theater. Col. Michael Bartley, the 99th ABW commander, brought up several topics pertinent not only to members of the wing, but to all who live and work at Nellis. The first subject discussed was the new enlisted and officer performance report system -- its implementation dates and changes it brings. One of the most tangible being, that there is no longer a marginal category on the fitness test. One can either meet the standards with a score of 75 or greater, be exempt from all four components of test, or fail. Michelle Price, the base energy manager, talked about the "Turn it off" energy saving campaign practiced at Nellis and Creech, in accordance to which all lights and equipment needs to be turned off when not utilized. It has been saving the base significant amount of money and is setting the standard for the ACC. Next, Colonel Bartley spoke about the 101 Critical Days of Summer, which conclude after the Labor Day weekend. He made an emphasis on the importance of good wingmanship and warned once again against drunken driving and other unwise choices. Chief Master Sgt. Britton Ellis shared an amusing story about monkeys, bananas and a firehose. Its underlining message was not to settle with the old way of doing things just because "that's how we've always done it," and seek ways to improve set procedures. Colonel Bartley touched up on several hot topics. He reminded Airmen to drive carefully, use good judgement and be a good wingman, shared latest reports on the photovoltaic array being constructed at Nellis and mentioned that all new homes in the new housing will be three or more-bedroom and "unbelievably nice." The colonel said that applications for early separation in the course of 2008 force shaping for officers with12-15 years time in service will be accepted from Sept. 5, 2007 to March 31, 2008. Finally Colonel Bartley encouraged everyone to attend the Air Force Ball Sept. 8. Two of the Doolittle Raiders and a Tuskegee airman will be present at the event.
