CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, every day I observe you as you do your work and, at the end of the day, I am left thinking, "what a phenomenal team of professionals!"
From the youngest Airman to the most senior civilian, I have yet to experience a team so successful at leveraging their skills and resources to generate such productivity. The momentum of each new challenge propels you through the next. I am consistently pleased with the amazing results -- awards, honor, and all the accolades that go with them. Some may think your success is the result of following orders. If only it were that simple. It's true, you are disciplined and willing to execute the orders of those appointed above you, but I think it takes more to produce the quality and quantity of work you do.
So, what is it that makes you so successful? First, there is technical proficiency; second, a dedication to the mission with a unique focus on immediate and critical tasks. Then, there is a natural desire to seek ways to improve performance to make things better. Finally, you possess the high standards needed to get the job done and get it done right. The Air Force chief of staff stresses getting back to basics, and high standards put Team Charleston on top of that goal.
Another important professional attribute that contributes to our success are relationships that challenge us to grow. Your professional development is very important to your performance and to your career. Professional military education, civilian education and development training broaden your knowledge base and enhance opportunities for team success. From the completion of Community College of the Air Force degrees to the completion of higher levels of education, you are constantly sharpening your skills and increasing the quality of team leadership and management.
Relationships play an important role in professional development. The experience and guidance of a mentor assists us as we maneuver around the obstacles and other career challenges. Mentors are sounding boards who can offer us clarity and a fresh perspective. Supervisors help us focus our performance on results and getting the job done. They monitor progress and give advice for effectiveness and efficiency. Coworkers are helpful as well; they give encouragement and support. All of these relationships are invaluable and sustain us in different ways.
Finally, Team Charleston's success is a mark of professionalism. It is encouraging to be a member of such a superior team. From the flightline to the community, you are involved in activities that produce results. Those results are what make Charleston such a phenomenal team.
Congratulations to our October promotees. Through your hard work, you have earned this promotion. Because of this accomplishment, you have earned the right to advance. You have earned a place that comes with increased responsibility and a broader role in accomplishing the mission. I challenge you to seek out and embrace this increased responsibility.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!