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Unit Focus: 36th Wing Command Post Motivates unit with Island WWII tour

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Carissa Morgan
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
Maintaining a good level of motivation is essential for unit cohesion which is why the command post took a World War II tour on March 23. 

"The command post has some of the most upbeat NCOs & Airmen that I have ever worked with, and this short tour was a way to say thanks for the hard work and attention to detail," said Capt. Matthew Gibson, 36th Wing Command Post chief. "Also, we went on this short tour to enhance the team's esprit de corps & operational excellence and to continue toward our common goal." 

"We set up the tour because our controllers work very hard and it is not often that we can go off-site with all the controllers at one time," said Master Sgt. Sandra Robertson, 36th Wing Command Post emergency actions controller. 

The Airmen visited several historical sites on and off base during the tour including: Tarague point, a scenic overlook on base; the "Old 100" relic, the remains of a Vietnam-era B-52 bomber on base; Memorial Park, which has a Japanese peace monument and several bunkers located in the immediate area; Asan Beach, home to many memorials and bunkers along the ridgeline that runs above the beach; and Piti guns, WWII coastal defense guns. 

"The tour was very educational," said Staff Sgt. William Sage, 36th Wing Command Post emergency actions controller. "I recommend the tour to every person stationed here," he said. 

Sergeant Sage said he enjoyed learning about the history, especially the Piti Guns.
According to Captain Gibson, Chamorro people under the occupation of Japan hauled three 140-millimeter coastal defense guns up the steep slopes of Taguog Ridge. These guns were hidden in hillsides and, with a range of 10 miles, were intended for use against ships. 

"If not for the tour I would've never known the Piti guns were here on the island," said Sergeant Sage. 

"I was really surprised at all the history Guam has," said Sergeant Robertson.
"We all enjoyed the tour very much," she added. "The tour really boosted the morale of our controllers." 

"Our controllers work hard on shifts so often they do not get the chance to enjoy time with the other controllers," added Sergeant Robertson. "It did boost the morale of the controllers and let them know the command post leadership cares about them and appreciates all the hard work they do daily." 

Captain Gibson said he was proud of his team's effort and intends to schedule future morale trips like this. 

"What is the price of a motivated Airman, Soldier, Marine or Sailor?" he asked. "Answer: it's priceless. Once you, as a leader, identify motivation you must do everything in your power to embrace, reinforce and reward it. Motivation is a resource that you can't buy off the shelf."