JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – The AFIMSC Detachment 10 team, supporting Air Force Global Strike Command at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, earned the September #IAMIMSC award.
The #IAMIMSC award recognizes people whose actions have promoted connectedness and service before self within their workplace or the center. While supporting AFGSC, Det. 10 demonstrated those characteristics by going “above and beyond” their daily duties to create a new Office of the Future workspace that will drive greater connectedness and build upon an already strong Air Force family at the detachment, said Col. Chad BonDurant, AFIMSC Det. 10 commander.
The colonel said the efforts of Master Sgt. Tamieka Morgan, Tiffany King, Chris Dzurik, Lisa Cupp and Diane Mofield were instrumental to the project which resulted in a “comfortable work and living space that feels more like a home than an office.”
“I'm so proud of this team of professionals for their dedication and resilience during this stressful move,” he said. “And they did it all while keeping the nuclear modernization mission here in AFGSC on track without missing a beat.”
Demonstrating that family and connectedness can extend beyond a specific unit or team, BonDurant highlighted the work of Maj. Anita Sims with the Air Force Installation Contracting Center for leading the whole contracting process and keeping the contractors on time and on task.
“She was the linchpin of this whole operation, and we would never have gotten off the ground without her expertise and leadership,” he said.
We asked BonDurant a few questions about being part of the AFIMSC team and promoting connectedness around the organization.
Primary duty responsibilities: Det. 10 represents the entire AFIMSC portfolio for AFGSC headquarters and eight installations that harness two-thirds of our nation’s nuclear arsenal. Striker Det. 10 is helping guide the transformation and modernization of all major weapon systems within AFGSC including:
- the Sentinel, the new intercontinental ballistic missile system replacing Minuteman III;
- the B-21 Raider, the stealth bomber replacing the B-1 and B-2;
- the Long Range Standoff, the replacement for the aging AGM-86B Air Launched Cruise Missile;
- weapons generation facilities to consolidate weapon maintenance, storage and training functions required to support ICBM and strategic bomber missions; and
- the Global Aircrew Strategic Network Terminal.
What do you like most about being a part of the AFIMSC team?
Being in the detachment, it is a privilege to be the face of our enterprise to AFGSC and the installations. Nothing our enterprise does is easy, but everything we do is for the greater benefit of our Airmen and our Air Force.
Why do you think it’s important for AFIMSC teammates and their families to feel connected to the organization?
It is always easier to support the mission when we understand the value it brings to others and our Airmen, Guardians and family members are the key to accomplishing that mission. When we feel connected to the mission and to each other, it is much easier to make the many sacrifices we are called to make because we know we are doing it for each other and for a purpose greater than ourselves.
What types of connectedness activities or events do you most enjoy participating in and why?
Det. 10 strives to schedule monthly get-togethers with good food and fellowship. We’ve hosted pot-luck picnics, crawfish boils and dining outs to local establishments. I think our favorites are the Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, so we are excited for the holiday season.
What advice do you have for people who are trying to build a better sense of belonging and kinship with their team?
There is no perfect opportunity or event to build connectedness. The key is just to do something, anything that provides an opportunity for folks to spend time together. It is always surprising how these events build momentum and turn into more togetherness.
Is there anything you would like to add?
From its beginning, AFIMSC has made it a priority to foster connectedness and a sense of family. Det. 10 is blessed to be part of this organization and to epitomize that sense of belonging as we operate every day in an “away game,” but we still feel very much a part of the AFIMSC home team.