JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
One of the fundamental pillars to leadership is communication, as I'll contend we don't have a whole lot of mind readers in our units. So, if our Airmen aren't telepathic, we're going to have to talk and write to them if we want them to know something. Equally important, we're going to have to ensure the message was received. And it goes up channel as well as we should never assume our leaders are aware of a problem unless we've told them about it.
Communication is more than sending out an e-mail to all your troops telling them to have a safe weekend or to adhere to the latest change to regulations. Some part of the dialogue has to involve actually looking folks in the eye and having a conversation with them. The May 10 Mission Stand Down was a reaffirmation of this time honored concept. For six hours, our members met in small groups within their squadrons and looked each other in the eye to discuss the tough topic of suicide prevention, safety and improving the wingman culture. It was a success across the board, as our Airmen took advantage of this pause to strengthen and reaffirm our commitment to each other as we accomplish the mission our Nation has set before us.
On channeling information up chain, I would like to say thank you to all the First Term Airmen Center Airmen out there who have spoken up to give their perspectives on support around Joint Base Charleston. In particular, I'd like to single out a few First Term Airmen who took lead during their FTAC class to provide further in-depth feedback on what was on the class's mind. These folks include Airman 1st Class Corey McClure, 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron; Airman 1st Class Nate Diefenbach, 437th Maintenance Squadron; Airman 1st Class Sonia Ludwig, 628th Force Support Squadron; Airman 1st Class Seth Dunworth, 15th Airlift Squadron; Airman 1st Class William George, 628th Communications Squadron; and Airmen 1st Class Danielle Binder, John Johnson and Brendan Schneider, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
From advocating free Wi-Fi and cable in all dorm rooms to help for married Airmen and their spouses, they did a superb job in collecting the thoughts of their fellow Airmen and sending them directly to me. While free Wi-Fi and cable may never be realized, we have made changes at our dining hall and other locations based on their feedback. More changes will be coming as we work to ensure our sponsor program is fully engaged and our spouse support is strong.
Communication is the life blood of leadership as it carries the commander's intent to the troops on the line and in return, provides the feedback that underpins future decisions. Make it a daily, deliberate act and ensure some part of it is the old fashion "eye-to-eye," "reach out and touch" kind.