Leaders prepare Airmen to take the reins

  • Published
  • By Col. Greg Tims
  • 90th Missile Wing commander
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  On the night of April 27, my wife, Julie, Col. Scott Fox, 90th Missile Wing vice commander, his wife, Megan, Col. Francesca Vasta-Falldorf, 90th Medical Group commander, Chief Master Sgt. Marty Anderson, 90th MW command chief, and myself attended the Laramie County School District #1 Community meeting. This meeting focused on increasing graduation rates. Our very own Glenn Garcia, 90th Medical Group Outreach Program manager, is a member of the board, and had invited us to this event. It was very well organized. I was not aware that the graduation rate for Laramie County is sadly only 76 percent. As a father with two sons in the school district, I was glad to be a part of this event. We broke into small groups and addressed two questions. First, "What are the assumptions and barriers of increasing graduation rates?", and secondly, "What should we be preparing our kids for?" Much debate ensued, and it clearly became a very productive session.

The second question got me thinking about us, as in Warren Airmen. In my group I relayed some of the concepts we work with upon the "Why's" and "How's" when developing our Airmen. We prepare our Airmen to be ready to take the reins when it is their turn. We reinforce into their behavior two concepts: 1) How to solve problems and 2) How to run toward danger, not from it. We do this because our younger Airmen are the future of our Air Force. We instill our value system early in their development so our institutional ways are preserved for future generations. Like I have said before, our new Airmen have chosen to join our fraternity ... we have not joined theirs. This is a very important concept to not only understand, but to embrace. Basically, it ensures mission accomplishment for generations to come.

Driving home, Chief Anderson was in a vehicle in front of me, and I notice he struck up a conversation with Airman 1st Class Jonathan Banaga, who was manning the front gate. Then I noticed he shook hands with him and drove off. When it was my turn to interact with Jonathan, I could not help but notice how sharp and polished he was. Of course he rattled off the Wing Mission Statement with perfection. I also shook his hand and drove off. Be sure to congratulate Jonathan when you see him around and have him show you the two coins he received in a 60 second time span!

What a treat we had last Monday. The House of Representatives Agricultural Committee came out for a meeting. Some of them requested to tour our Missile Procedure Trainers. It was a privilege to show off our professional skills. Some of the members who attended were: Congressman Lucas, Congressman Fortenberry, Congressman Smith, and Congresswoman Lummis. I am grateful they took the time to come out and let us present our base and its capabilities. Lt. Col. Eric Davis, 90th Operations Group director of operations, was the point of contact for the visit. He and his team did an outstanding job.

As of lately, we have been noticing that our seat belt and cell phone usage while driving is not where we need it to be. The first one should be 100 percent and the second one should be zero percent. I've been at wings where a cafeteria concept exists with following the rules - that some of the folks think that "these" rules over here apply to them, but "those" rules over there are meant for someone else. This kind of thinking will deteriorate a missile wing faster than any other phenomenon -- believe me, I have seen it firsthand. Let me be very clear on this issue: In a nuclear combat unit all rules are to be followed. That type of discipline breeds excellence which leads to successful mission accomplishment. If you see someone not following the rules, please correct the situation on the spot.

America's finest sons and daughters serve in our military. As of March 31, 1.4 million of America's finest are actively and selflessly serving their nation. Somebody raised you right. There is no doubt in my mind that mother's of military sons and daughters have one of the toughest jobs. Their sacrifice and support should never be taken for granted. On this Mother's Day, please make sure to take some time out of your day to call your mom.

Go Forth and Conquer!