AFSC vice sees big picture, eager to be on Team Sustainment Published Aug. 28, 2012 By Brandice J. O'Brien Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Col. Allan Day sees the big picture and said he is excited to help bring it to fruition. The Air Force Sustainment Center vice commander arrived at Tinker July 20 from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, where he commanded the former 309th Maintenance Wing which was redesignated as the Ogden Air Logistics Complex last July. Since being here, he said he is excited to be a part of a plan that will surely change history. "Since the different depots came into being, we have had differing views on how best to sustain weapon systems. Each depot was allowed to develop their own business models and sustainment concepts and that caused us challenges with integrating our operations and leveraging our capabilities across the sustainment enterprise," Colonel Day said. "With the Air Force Sustainment Center transition, that has all changed. We have a single business model with a common set of goals and are already seeing indications of how the AFSC leadership model will drive efficiencies and cost effectiveness across the sustainment enterprise. What an exciting time to be here at AFSC. As everyone gets on board with a consistent mindset, a standard way of doing business and a common language, we have the potential to achieve performance unlike any seen in the past." A year from now, Colonel Day thinks the AFSC will have made great strides. The changes, sacrifices and overcoming the challenges will all have been worth it. "I try to imagine what sustainment will be like a year from now. The opportunity to make great gains in depot throughput while fully integrating with the supply chain and working with our partners on the program side," he said. "I think there's really an opportunity to cut waste, drive efficiencies and make some significant gains in supporting the warfighter." Colonel Day's life and military experiences have prepared him for this next venture. Upon his graduation and commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989, he gained a variety of experience in engineering, acquisition, sustainment activities, and maintenance and logistics career fields. The colonel has worked in several commands including Air Force Materiel Command, Air Combat Command and Air Mobility Command. But, his small town roots keep him grounded and understanding of the physical demands of a hard day's work. The Wisconsin native, and diehard Green Bay Packers fan, grew up on a 92-acre working farm many miles from the closest town. His family raised cattle, pigs and chickens and was responsible for the maintenance and repair on their farming equipment. "We did everything manually, even milking cows was manual. Before you could start up the tractor, many times you had to fix it," he said. "So, I can empathize with what our mechanics endure. I really appreciate the work our maintainers do, because I know their hard work is what makes America what it is. It's a great nation because we have great people working hard every day to get the job done." Now, 892 miles from home and with a career that spans more than two decades, Colonel Day said he is ready for the challenge in front of the leadership team to help transform the AFSC into a world-class organization. The father of six children and husband of 22 years knows a thing or two about teamwork and working through issues. "My family and I have been warmly welcomed to Team Tinker and the local community. It is obvious that Tinker is surrounded by an amazing support network. But as a leader in AFSC, my new family also includes the more than 32,000 members of Team Sustainment," Colonel Day said. "I'm excited to be here on the ground floor and am ready to help make Team Sustainment the best it can be and to achieve the 'Art of the Possible' results across the enterprise."