Message from the wing commander Published June 11, 2013 By Col. Glen D. VanHerck 7th Bomb Wing DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Recently I have heard concerns expressed over housing issues, unsafe drivers in housing, and rowdy children causing trouble or committing crimes. I've also heard that your experience while living in military housing can make or break a tour of duty. Those of us living in base housing are fortunate to have neighbors with whom we share a common bond. That said, I empower you to be leaders in your neighborhood. Be a good neighbor first and you won't have to wait for one to show up. Being a good neighbor means more than just a friendly wave, keeping your yard tidy or not turning up your stereo too loud. Being a good neighbor means taking pride and ownership of where you live, being a leader in your community, holding each other accountable, and being responsible for your actions and the actions of all members of your family. If you are a parent, always be aware of where your children are and what they are doing. I urge parents to proactively engage and mentor their children on proper behavior and not allow them to roam without proper supervision. The primary duty of our Security Forces is to prevent those who wish to do us harm from doing so, that's why we call them Defenders. They work around the clock to ensure the safety and security of on-base residents and personnel. While they will attempt to monitor all activities on base, and prevent our children from doing things they should not be doing, monitoring our children is not their primary duty...however, it is the primary duty of the parents. Simply put, our Defenders can't do it alone. We need to assume the responsibility for our children. As always, you have direct access to me through the Commander's Action Line on the Dyess website or the Commander's Corner on Facebook. I pledge to do my part and be a good neighbor. Will you do your part?