Rough Riders welcome new CV Published Sept. 18, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Although he's been here for a little more than a month, the new vice commander for the Rough Riders of the 91st Missile Wing opened up and spoke a little about his career and what he and his family hopes to get out of their assignment here at Minot Air Force Base. Col. Thomas A. Rudy is a true Texan, hailing originally from West Colombia, Texas. He also graduated from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, in 1991, where two of the most important things happened in his life--he earned his commission in the Air Force and met his wife. Once in the Air Force, he said goodbye to his home state and was headed to the 4315th Combat Crew Training Squadron at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., to become a missileer and learn to operate America's most powerful deterrence, inter-continental ballistic missiles. California was his first stop along a career of various ICBM assignments and staff functions at all levels, to include the numbered Air Force, a major command and even the Pentagon. "We've always liked going to new places and communities," said Rudy. "We really think it's the people that make it. Whether it's warm weather or cold weather, it's the people that matter." Along the way, Rudy accomplished three master's degrees, which includes a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pa., in 2013, just prior to his assignment here. With his assignment to Minot, he is glad to be back into the operational Air Force and in the missile community again, he said. "When it comes to the mission, this is what I know," explained Rudy. "This is what I grew up doing in the Air Force." This assignment marks his first time in Minot, which is a unique location with its two, nuclear capable wings. There are challenges of relying on support from both wings to get the mission accomplished, he said. "It is a little different for me being on a base with two wings," Rudy added. "But I know everyone will continue to support each other and work together." Regardless of which wing Airmen are assigned to, they should be proud being here, said Rudy. Collectively, everyone plays a vital role in supporting the nuclear enterprise, which is critically important in deterring America's adversaries and maintaining peace. "I would like everyone to take pride in what they do," Rudy said. "Don't worry about who's watching, because even if someone isn't watching over your shoulder, someone is taking notice of your work." It is hard work, respect and teamwork that ensure the success of Airmen and the community, he said. In turn, the Airmen and community ensure the success of the mission. As long as Minot Airmen do their best, the rest will take care of itself, he added. "Here at Minot," explained Rudy, "I'd really just like to see everyone be a team player."