CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, last week was a very good week. It began with time spent with 14 Air Force Academy cadets. It was an honor to share the enlisted perspective with an enthusiastic group of future Air Force leaders.
My intent was to clearly communicate the importance of a strong relationship between an officer and their enlisted Airmen. I offered this relationship as a winning combination that has been proven successful in all aspects of mission accomplishment from the routine operation of a base to taking care of their Airmen. Almost any good leader can be a great leader when they lead a team of professionals who are respected for the knowledge, skill and spirit they bring to the fight.
Later in the week, Colonel Millander and I took part in the South Carolina Cadet Officer Leadership School Career Fair and Base Orientation. The COLS is a summer leadership school that The Citadel hosts for Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets. The 290 sophomore, junior and senior cadets came from high schools all across the state. Many of them had never visited a military installation and were excited to have the experience. Colonel Millander delivered the wing mission brief and extended words of encouragement. His words were so well received that 45 minutes of questions and answers followed. The cadets asked some very pointed questions. They were very well read and extremely curious about the military.
During my time with the JROTC cadets, we discussed goal-setting to help them sort through the different options available to them now and in the future. We discussed action plans as a means to set a course to ensure they achieve their goals. And finally, we talked about the importance of seeking the advice and guidance of mentors like parents, counselors and others who can provide valued insight into smart decisions.
These young cadets were familiar with the Air Force core values and the importance of their application both inside and outside of the Air Force. It was inspiring to learn that the majority of them planned to serve in the military. Thanks to Staff Sgt. Jennifer Arredondo from the 437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs office for arranging the visit.
The week ended with the Airman Leadership School graduation. Congratulations to the 27 graduates of ALS Class 08-E. The knowledge gained from this professional development experience should challenge you to lead the Airmen entrusted to you in the future. Several students excelled in this challenging environment. The two distinguished graduates were Senior Airman Erica Ramsey from the 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron and Senior Airman Daniel Gutowski from the 15th Airlift Squadron. The Leadership Award recipient was Senior Airman Floyd Haynes from the 437th Civil Engineer Squadron; the Academic Achievement Award winner was Airman Gutowski from the 15 Airlift Squadron. And the highest honor, the John L. Levitow Award, went to Senior Airman Patrick Nethery from the 123rd Maintenance Squadron of the Kentucky Air National Guard. The guest speaker, Chief Master Sgt. Brye McMillon, 18th Air Force command chief master sergeant, challenged and inspired the graduates. Also, during Chief McMillon's visit he spent time with some of our Airmen in vehicle operations, explosive ordnance disposal and the legal office. He was truly impressed with the professionalism and commitment of all.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!