CHARLESOTN AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston welcomed a new vice commander for the 437th Airlift Wing May 31.
Col. John Michel, formerly the U.S. Transportation Command liaison to the North American Aerospace Defense Command-U.S. Northern Command at Peterson AFB, Colo., replaced Col. Steven Harrison after he left May 4 to become the 436th Airlift Wing commander at Dover AFB, Del.
Colonel Michel was born and raised in Landstuhl, Germany. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in political science from Southwest Texas State University in 1987. He has served as an officer in the Air Force for 20 years.
He said he feels that coming to Charleston AFB was a tremendous privilege because he was able to join a world-class team. His initial plans as the new vice commander are to spend a great deal of time listening to the men and women who comprise Team Charleston.
Colonel Michel's goals are to serve the men and women of the 437 AW, this community and the Air Force to the fullest of his abilities so together, Team Charleston can continue the proud heritage of excellence in wing.
Why did you join the Air Force?
I was intrigued by the opportunity to fly airplanes and see the world.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I believe leaders are first and foremost a servant of those they lead. They are willing teachers‚ committed learners, and high goal setters. They are secure enough with themselves to let their teammates take risks and committed enough to their cause to make excellence real. I believe leaders are persons of thought and persons of action -- people who are both dreamers and doers. They are committed people builders who believe in the potential of others and possess the humility to understand success is not about always getting your own way, but in finding the best way. Thus, I strive to be a leader that can be led -- equally comfortable serving from the front as I am giving my best in the back.
What are your expectations of the members of Team Charleston?
I believe my expectations are quite straightforward: I simply ask that everyone give their best effort everyday, that they commit to taking care of their teammates and that they strive to have a positive attitude in all they undertake. Anything less makes it difficult to build the team everyone deserves.
What kind of reputation does this base have in the rest of the mobility community?
This is an easy question to answer. Team Charleston sets the standard other wings and local communities strive to emulate. Together with our partners in the 315th Airlift Wing, we collectively deliver excellence day in and day out.