Describe a common story in your organization and discuss its implications on the organization. Does this story promote the goals and ideals of the organization? Does it help describe "who we are and what we stand for?" What is the story's impact on the culture of the organization?
Who doesn’t enjoy a
good story? One that speaks to the soul and essence of your organization. I’ve
enjoyed a rewarding 25 year career in the Air Force which spanned eleven
assignments, six states, four countries, and a war. My decisions and leadership
impacted the lives of my Airmen and strengthened the security of our Nation in
some dire historical circumstances. A few proud memories created years ago remain
strong. One in particular energizes me to this day. How can events that unfold
almost eight years ago still make me smile today? Well, let me tell you…
One of my favorite
assignments of my 25 year tenure was serving as a commander for a 300-person
logistics squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah in 2004-2006. I absolutely
enjoyed the privilege to serve, command, and lead military and civilian Airmen.
I was responsible to train, discipline, mentor, educate, deploy, cheer, and
recognize the excellence of Airmen. My proudest memories were preparing these
warriors to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan for four to six month combat
tours…and then receive them home safely to their families. I even had the
fortune to deploy to a recently established Air Base adjacent to Baghdad
Airport and command a 130-person logistics and aerial port squadron. This opportunity
was unexpected and much more rewarding than my original tasking to Kuwait. I
commanded Airmen who managed a fleet of 200 vehicles, an airport passenger
terminal and airfield in a war zone as well as a regional supply depot. We
worked with contractors flying Russian airlift to move cargo supporting
Americans. On top of that, we worked with DoD officials to twice fly Iraqis to
election polling sites throughout the country to ratify their first-ever
national Constitution…an exciting time to make an impact literally a “world away”.
As much fun as I was
having during my tour, the best part was coming home to my family waiting for
me at the Salt Lake City Airport. My return trip from Baghdad included a C17
flight to Al Udeid and then a connection on via a leased commercial aircraft
thru Ireland to my interim stop of Norfolk VA (a mere 35 miles from where I
type this story). I was getting more and more excited as I spoke with my wife
from my hotel room in Norfolk and then boarded a commercial flight to Salt Lake
City the next morning. When the wheels of the aircraft “touched down,” I was bubbling
over…my wife, daughter (12 years old) and son (9 years old) were waiting for me
on the other side of the entry…at the end of the ramp. Heck, the flight
attendant even shared my trip home with the rest of the passengers on that
flight. I was feeling giddy. And when I exited the plane and walked through the
door and into the airport, I was met and hugged by yes, my wife and kids, but
also my boss and close friends greeted me with hugs. We “caught up” and then
walked to the airport’s baggage claim area…little did I suspect. When my group of
family and friends descended down the escalator, I was then greeted by Airmen
from my squadron holding a large “Welcome Home” banner and cheering. And a
military bus from my squadron was there in the parking area to take me home…and
as the bus passed through the main gate at Hill Air Force Base, the driver
pulled over to allow my wing commander to embark and greet me home. What a
memory, but my homecoming story was also the story of dozens of my Airmen (and
thousands of military members) returning home from their tours in “the
sandbox”. I also went to the airport many times with others to greet returning
squadron members…
Our squadron’s
“welcome home” traditions were similar to those observed by countless military
and volunteer organizations across the five military Services and our great
Nation. They reflect the family bond within and between units. Welcoming home
our brothers and sisters in arms who serve overseas, in harm’s way expresses
our respect for their sacrifices and contributions. Whether this scene involves
a senior enlisted member who has served
multiple deployments greeting a ”three striper” returning from his first
deployment or a commander greeting a junior enlisted member, it all translates
the same…it’s all about "who we are as an Air Force and what we stand
for.” Service and respect for fellow Airmen. This respect makes possible the Global
Reach/Global Power and commitment to excellence of our Air Force and Airmen…yesterday, today…and tomorrow.
