Page 2 - Edwards AFB Desert Wings 7-24-15

Desert Wings Commentary July 24, 2015

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Never underestimate your impact

by Chief Master Sgt. Zachary Capogna my simple tasks really mean more? Why yes I am. ID cards repel millions of cyber-attacks launched against our
Incirlik AB, Turkey Each day, every one of us has the potential to contribute to networks by providing a first line of defense for our mission
critical information technology systems because they are pro-
Every day I visit our great Airmen and every day I come airpower, the defense of our great nation and an unparalleled duced valid, up to date and therefore trusted. And our defenders;
across more than one that underestimates their impact to the way of life. Each day, there are a whole lot of other people that trained, motivated and with steadfast commitment to their posts,
mission. would love nothing more than a chance to degrade our airpower, keep adversaries off our base, enabling all airpower functions
attack our nation and our way of life. to operate and degrade our adversaries ability to operate in our
There’s the one-stripe maintainer, “just repaneling an aircraft,” area of responsibilities.
for the next day’s flight, or the young personalist, “just issuing Where does that repaneled aircraft completed on time and mis-
another identification card,” or the defender, “just guarding the sion capable fit into the picture? And how do valid ID cards, The next time you come across one of our great Airmen un-
gate.” The list could go on and on. Hopefully we all realize the trusted as a first line of cyber and physical security contribute? derestimating their impact to the mission, due me a favor; belt
significance of each task in the preceding example. My experi- What impact could that young defender pulling guard duty at 2 out a powerful “HUA” and take the moment to recognize the
ences have demonstrated to me that time after time we do not. a.m. really make to the base defense? Airmen for the specific task they’re performing and for its im-
pact to our mission. For all of our great Airmen reading this and
So what’s the big deal? I do just repanel aircraft right? And I Fill in a few gaps on the preceding scenarios and the impact not accepting the impact you make each and every day for our
really do just issue ID cards. And hey, I’ve been pulling guard each of our Airmen make becomes clear. The aircraft is the only great Air Force, I say to you “HUA!” and Thanks for all you
duty for two years. This really is all I do. Are you going to trap intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance asset within 500 do! Aim High!
me in a 30-minute mentoring session to try and convince me miles and a special forces unit is pinned down and requires
immediate support and real-time battle field information. Our

The unseen leader

by Master Sgt. Melvin Fouke I aspired to be like, although I can’t say Finally, the inspection report arrived. I career as I now understood what leading
Mountain Home AFB, Idaho that was my opinion right from the start. scoured the report looking for his name. really meant. It meant showing others the
This boss was loud, boisterous, and a bit Although I didn’t find his name, I did find right way to conduct Air Force business and
Over the years, I’ve seen many leaders too “hoorah” for my taste. Starting with the mine, along with two others from my of- not shutting them out.
come and go. first day he walked into the office, I didn’t fice, listed as top performers. All this time
like him, and thought I never would. It was I thought he was promoting himself, but Leadership is a word we often use in the
The ones I admired, I took note of the like this for the first six months. in reality he was promoting me and my military, perhaps more than we should:
traits I wished I had, as well as the ones I coworkers all over the base. My opinion leadership decisions, leadership seminars,
already possessed. It took me a long time During that time, my work center went of him was instantly changed. I started to senior leadership, the list goes on. Using a
to realize some of my personal and pro- through some rigorous inspections and we reflect back on how he took me along to word so often can cause it to lose some of its
fessional weaknesses were the very areas I performed well beyond anyone’s expecta- everything he did. I gained perspective and “oomph.” It seems preposterous to be led to
gravitated toward in my leaders. tions. I was sure the boss man was going I learned how decisions were made. My ini- the “front lines” of the conference room for
to parade right through my office, sing- tial thoughts were he wanted to delegate another seemingly endless meeting.
Lao Tzu once said, “A leader is best ing about how great he was. When that and disappear but instead he was grooming
when people barely know he exists. When day didn’t come I was confused. Weeks me to take a more active role in the func- In the end though, maybe I did need to be
his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will went by and not a word was said about tions of Air Force leadership. led into that conference room, not because
say, ‘we did it ourselves.’” To me, this is how great “The Savior” was and how he it was a dangerous or hostile environment,
true leadership, when you don’t even real- got us through this inspection. Another Well, they say my “small hoorah” grew but instead an unfamiliar area for me at that
ize you’re being led. When things are diffi- couple weeks went by. I assumed there three sizes that day. I had been led with- point of my career. That leader scooped me
cult, they’re the ones people turn to, and in- was a mistake somewhere because my out my awareness. I had been given a gift up and showed me the way. Will you take
stead of answers, they get encouragement, boss never passed an opportunity to let from the most unlikely of people. It was a your subordinates with you to those meet-
guidance and ultimately, empowerment. everyone know how great he was. powerful moment for me in my Air Force ings? If not, ask yourself why.

One leader in particular stands out as one

Commander’s

Action Line

email: speak2cc@edwards.af.mil

The Commander’s Action Line gives all Airmen, re-
tirees, families and community members a direct link to
Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th Test Wing commander.
The Action Line can be used to express constructive
points of view on the policies and procedures of the
base; discuss safety and security issues; and address
problems, concerns, or suggestions after traditional
methods have been exhausted.

The Commander’s Action Line should not be the
first action taken to resolve an issue. Those seeking
a remedy to a problem should first follow the chain
of command and take up the matter with the office of
primary responsibility, supervisors, first sergeants or
commanders.

Action Line queries may be submitted by sending an
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