This week I would like to focus on and share a bit of my mantra on leadership; specifically leadership by example.  Doesn’t it seem that we are constantly bombarded with solicitations to participate in and attend such events as the Air Fore Ball, Wingman Day, Fire Muster Challenge, Wing Sports Day, Enlisted Dining-In, POW events,  etc…. It seems that with all the day-to-day work still to accomplish we can’t help but think; “How will I or my people ever find time to attend all these events?”  Simply put…Make Time—its old fashioned leadership by example!  Each one of these events listed helps contribute to our “Whole Person Concept” and ultimately adds critical tools to our leadership arsenal.  By participating in these events, we reinforce the ideals of successful/professional Airmanship, esprit-de-corps and the profession of arms.  We must all strive to be active and visible leaders.  This is especially critical for our Senior Noncommissioned Officer (SNCOs) corps.

As SNCOs, before we discount any of these events on face value alone, we must consider the following leadership questions:

1)                  We are role models, whose actions will be emulated, for better or worse—are we setting the proper example by “talking-up” and promoting opportunities to honor and celebrate the Air Force and Enlisted Heritage?

2)                  Airmen will come to us looking for answers and guidance; they will follow our lead whether it is down the path to success or off a cliff--is our GPS on the correct setting? 

3)                  We are in a position to make a real difference, and our leadership abilities can be greatly enhanced through involvement in community, self improvement and unit events (i.e. ACE, Team 56, Top 3, AFSA, etc…)—am I involved and more importantly, are my “Airmen” following my lead?

4)                  Are we paving a path to success for our Airmen by promoting PME, off-duty education and  professional enhancement classes—more importantly have we accomplished all of our necessary requirements (i.e. CCAF, Course 14 and passed our fitness tests)?

Hopefully most of us are already actively and aggressively answering a hearty YES to all these questions as we understand and recognize the value these factors bring to our arsenal of leadership tools and abilities. Airmen go when NCOS go—NCOs go where SNCOs go… and our leadership by example is paramount to this success—to our overall success as great Air and Space Force!

  If you’re already doing these things then GREAT! You are way ahead of the game.  If you’re on the fence… seek out and talk to a consummate SNCO, First Sergeant or Chief.  However, wherever you stand, please remember this; our efforts are always being evaluated, by those whom we lead, and by those who lead us.  We mustn’t be afraid to willingly accept the challenges given to us.  Those who understand the importance of serving as a role model – both up and down the chain – are preparing themselves for the future.  It is this group who will someday lead the rest of the pack.  Will you be among them?

Matthew R. "Mad Dog" Becker

Chapter 984

This week I would like to focus on and share a bit of my mantra on leadership; specifically leadership by example.  Doesn’t it seem that we are constantly bombarded with solicitations to participate in and attend such events as the Air Fore Ball, Wingman Day, Fire Muster Challenge, Wing Sports Day, Enlisted Dining-In, POW events,  etc…. It seems that with all the day-to-day work still to accomplish we can’t help but think; “How will I or my people ever find time to attend all these events?”  Simply put…Make Time—its old fashioned leadership by example!  Each one of these events listed helps contribute to our “Whole Person Concept” and ultimately adds critical tools to our leadership arsenal.  By participating in these events, we reinforce the ideals of successful/professional Airmanship, esprit-de-corps and the profession of arms.  We must all strive to be active and visible leaders.  This is especially critical for our Senior Noncommissioned Officer (SNCOs) corps.

As SNCOs, before we discount any of these events on face value alone, we must consider the following leadership questions:

1)                  We are role models, whose actions will be emulated, for better or worse—are we setting the proper example by “talking-up” and promoting opportunities to honor and celebrate the Air Force and Enlisted Heritage?

2)                  Airmen will come to us looking for answers and guidance; they will follow our lead whether it is down the path to success or off a cliff--is our GPS on the correct setting? 

3)                  We are in a position to make a real difference, and our leadership abilities can be greatly enhanced through involvement in community, self improvement and unit events (i.e. ACE, Team 56, Top 3, AFSA, etc…)—am I involved and more importantly, are my “Airmen” following my lead?

4)                  Are we paving a path to success for our Airmen by promoting PME, off-duty education and  professional enhancement classes—more importantly have we accomplished all of our necessary requirements (i.e. CCAF, Course 14 and passed our fitness tests)?

Hopefully most of us are already actively and aggressively answering a hearty YES to all these questions as we understand and recognize the value these factors bring to our arsenal of leadership tools and abilities. Airmen go when NCOS go—NCOs go where SNCOs go… and our leadership by example is paramount to this success—to our overall success as great Air and Space Force!

  If you’re already doing these things then GREAT! You are way ahead of the game.  If you’re on the fence… seek out and talk to a consummate SNCO, First Sergeant or Chief.  However, wherever you stand, please remember this; our efforts are always being evaluated, by those whom we lead, and by those who lead us.  We mustn’t be afraid to willingly accept the challenges given to us.  Those who understand the importance of serving as a role model – both up and down the chain – are preparing themselves for the future.  It is this group who will someday lead the rest of the pack.  Will you be among them?

Matthew R. "Mad Dog" Becker

AFSA Chapter 984

TEAM AFSA!

What a great day today is!  Our outstanding United States Air Force has been on point for our great nation for 62 years today.  From the newest FTAC Airman to the most senior Chief on base, each one of you plays a vital role in defending our nations freedom, on the ground—in the air—and in cyberspace.  As we reflect on these past 6 decades we must pause and embrace the accomplishments of the men and women who served before us.  For after all, Freedom is NOT free as history has proven to us. 

Today is a new day and with this, I encourage you to embrace a “How cool is that” mentality.  By no means am I insinuating that you should be unprofessional, in contrary I need you to see the lighter side—the positive side of all the wonderful things the Air Force has provided for us. 

You old timers (me included), think back of the changes in the last 10 or 20 years.  Remember when we came in and lived in the “Barracks”?  Ok…”Dorms” but remember that roommate we had, remember that one phone located halfway down the hallway or that old dingy bowling alley we used to hang out in on Friday nights?  Well…those things are no longer there… “How cool is that”!.

Instead, today our Airmen have single dorm rooms, kitchens, computer access, large or plasma screen televisions and yes…now “Cosmic Bowling” in new beautiful facilities.  “How Cool is that”!  Our Air Force has evolved tenfold in the past few years and will only get better… “How Cool Is That”!

These things were hard fought by Professional Organizations such as AFSA.  AFSA has been the “tip of the spear” when it comes to improving Air Force Enlisted benefits, quality of life issues, and pay raises for more than 46 years.  Because of this we must remain a strong-vocal organization.  An organization built by a few, yet which affects the livelihood of masses.  “How Cool Is That”!

Today as we mark this magnificent milestone, I encourage you to thank your “Airmen” of all ranks.  Take him/her aside and discuss how important their contributions are to the mission and give them a birthday present on behalf of the Air Force.  Express to that young Airman, Lt, new SSgt or new MSgt how important it is to lead by example…..Sponsor them for a membership in AFSA. 

Lets embrace this great day and make our great organization better!  TEAM “Together Everyone Achieves More”!

“How Cool Is That”!

Hooah!

Division 8/9 Professionals,

I know many of you have heard this before but membership & involvement in professional organizations such as the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) are vital to the sustainment and betterment of our Air Force enlisted and our families.  Many of you hear the questions; "Whats in it for me?" or "What can I do to make a difference?"  Simply put; the answer is Involvement, Communication, Awareness, Responsiveness, and Education (I CARE).

Commit yourself to involvement in local base, community, and Association programs.  Join and take part in on-base and local programs and councils that represent the interests of Airmen. Participate in AFSA meetings and in the efforts promoted by your local AFSA chapter.  Volunteer for military and veterans’ programs that focus on the well-being of military members.  Be creative in looking for ways to improve the lives of current and past Airmen and their families.  Get others involved in such efforts and in joining the Association.  Why is such involvement important?   The answer is this:  Besides being noted as a base and community leader and an excellent AFSA representative, you will gain enhanced insight into the issues and challenges that impact Air Force members of all ranks.  You can use this insight to better relate to the issues and to communicate these concerns to AFSA Headquarters and to others.  Additionally, by getting those currently serving, those who served in the past, and family members involved, you increase AFSA’s influence and strength. 

Strong, effective communication can assist the Association in accomplishing its mission.  Communicate critical insights, facts, and information to AFSA Headquarters; i.e., serve as the eyes and ears of AFSA Headquarters in the field for issues important to Airmen.  Work to communicate AFSA-provided information to other Airmen and, in particular, to enlisted leaders at all levels.  If a retiree, communicate AFSA information and efforts to other retirees and veterans.  If a family member, work to let other family members know what AFSA does for them and encourage them to join our team.  As a concerned citizen, communicate your needs and expectations to your elected officials.  Remember, they work for you, and you need to let them know how best to represent you.  In short, make strong, effective communication part of your daily approach; realize that your success in this regard will complement the efforts of the AFSA Headquarters staff.        

You can enhance your awareness of the issues by participating in events in your base and community; communicating with AFSA Headquarters and other Airmen; and regularly checking the information provided by AFSA headquarters through SERGEANTS Magazine, its other media, and reports generated to the field.   You also should follow local and national news reports and those provided by the Air Force.  Seek to understand the issues, and contact AFSA Headquarters when clarification is required.  Finally, work to improve the awareness of others. 

Your responsiveness to the calls from AFSA Headquarters can make a real difference.  If AFSA encourages you to contact your elected officials to promote or oppose particular issues or legislation, please respond by doing so.  If AFSA promotes chapter involvement in letter-writing campaigns or visits to the local offices of elected officials (e.g., during congressional recesses when these officials are in their home areas conducting “town hall” meetings, etc.), please take part in these efforts.  You are members of AFSA because AFSA works to serve you; help us do that by being responsive to the calls for participation that come from the AFSA Headquarters’ staff. 

It is in the area of education that you will find one of the most critical roles you can play in supporting AFSA’s overall effort.   It is important that you educate yourself through study and awareness.  Educate your fellow Airmen (those serving and who have served) about the issues and about AFSA programs that support them.  Help educate your AFSA Headquarters staff representatives on the ways they can best serve you and on the issues you want them to take to the Hill.  Educate members of Congress by giving them a clear picture of the factual situation in the field.  Also let them know that you are a proud AFSA member, and that you support the Association’s legislative agenda. 

Through involvement, communication, awareness, responsiveness, and education, you can be an effective, essential participant in our work in Washington.  I encourage you to seriously consider each of these critical assets, plan to build strength in each of these areas, and implement your game plan.  Please care.  

The Association’s effectiveness depends on you!