Our wing, the Mighty Ninety Published Sept. 30, 2015 By 2nd Lt. Veronica Perez 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The Tuckman model defines the four stages of group development as forming, storming, norming and performing. It is argued that these phases are essential for team growth in any capacity. The 90th Missile Wing's groups selected Airmen of all ranks and civilians to participate in an "off-site" Sept. 9 and 10, at the Army Aviation Support Facility on base. The group of Airmen was asked to discuss, develop and define the wing's vision statement and goals - and ultimately grew as one team. Getting more than 50 people to agree on such important topics in two days was no small feat, but the Mighty Ninety came together and got the job done. 90th Force Support Squadron Manpower and Personnel Flight planned and facilitated the two-day event. It is chartered to assist commanders with strategic alignment and deployment for all continuous process improvement efforts, said Dan Galvin, 90th FSS management analyst. The team faced the challenge of clearly defining the parameters for creating a true vision statement and achievable goals. "As a team, we were extremely honored and excited to be a part of this endeavor," Galvin said. "Event facilitation is the most challenging facet of our job, but it is also the most rewarding." At the start, Col. Stephen Kravitsky, 90th MW commander, addressed the group and asked them to collectively create a new wing vision and concrete wing goals. "When I look at all of you, I see a snapshot of our wing," he said. "We need to change, we need to innovate and we need to make things better, and I know we can do this because we are one collective team and family." Kravitsky emphasized the importance of all personnel at the wing working together to shape the wing's future. "I can't do this by myself," he said. "The wing needs all of you to decide who we want to be and what we want to achieve together." On the first day, the group was divided into four smaller groups and set out to develop the new vision. Relying on personal perspectives and experiences, each group developed a vision statement that shared similarities and differences. Senior Airman Shay Miller, 90th FSS unit deployment manager, recalls the complexity of the process. "It was actually harder than I thought it would be because you have so many different opinions and outlooks on the Air Force," she said. "Trying to fit all of our minds together to make one vision statement was hard, but we got it done." After several edits and feedback, the group agreed upon the following vision statement: "The Mighty Ninety, inspired by heritage, empowered by Airmen and driven by innovation. The world's most trusted, dominant ICBM force." This statement is a testament to who we are, how we operate and where we see ourselves in the future, said Miller. Building off of a clear vision statement, and a familiarity with each other, the group created new wing goals during day two. The goals stemmed from Kravitsky's priorities as a wing commander and were outlined by the event facilitators. "Goals need to be attainable, acceptable, and definable and support the vision," said Galvin. Two to three goals were created for each priority including the mission, Airmen and families and improvement at all levels. Some broad examples include providing adequate living space for Airmen and their families to fostering a culture of innovation through cross-unit communication. Kravitsky felt increasing awareness of the 90th MW heritage was a major goal for all four groups because of the base's vast and unique history. He quoted Air Force Global Strike Commander Gen. Robin Rand, stating, "History makes you smarter; heritage makes you prouder." The group felt proud indeed at the end of day two, having worked together to complete their task, Galvin said. "The best part was to be part of a forum where rank was temporarily set aside and everyone's thoughts and ideas had equal footing," he said. "We were especially impressed to see our youngest Airmen confidently voicing their ideas." Three junior enlisted Airmen were chosen to introduce the vison and goals at future commander's calls taking place later this year, Galvin said. "The words themselves won't do anything," he said. "But, if we embrace the direction and team focus they represent, we believe our wing will have better cohesion, comradery and pride in the family that is the Mighty Ninety."