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The power of the NCO

  • Published
  • By Col. Tyler Schaff, 436th Mission Support Group commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  

Part I: An Impact for Life

I began my Air Force career as an enlisted Airman, and I oftentimes reflect on the leaders who have impacted me, both personally and professionally, during those early years of my career.
 
As a young Airman, the most influential person in my life was my first supervisor – Buck Sergeant Robert Tejada. He was always looking out for me. He taught me about the Air Force, my job and about life. He picked me up from the airport fresh out of tech school, naïve to the Air Force way of life, and wearing my service dress. He took me to his house, cooked me dinner, introduced me to his friends and lent me clothes to help me get by until my lost luggage arrived.
 
Anytime I needed guidance, he provided it without hesitation. I remember him teaching me about the importance of first impressions, customer service and professionalism. But the moments with Sergeant Tejada that will always stick with me were the instances where I didn’t ask for help. When I was homesick and feeling lonely, Sergeant Tejada knew I wasn’t totally myself and made sure I was taken care of.  With him as my first-line supervisor, I knew I was in good hands. The old adage, popularized by John C. Maxwell, is true: “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” I knew he cared; and I wanted to learn from him.
 
Recently, I visited San Antonio for the Mission Support Group Summit. While there, I had the opportunity to reconnect with now retired Chief Master Sergeant Tejada, as well as my second and third supervisors from when I was an Airman. After some great conversation, lots of laughs, some embarrassing stories and a few margaritas, the evening ended, and I was left to ponder how this group of noncommissioned officers had forever shaped the course of my career.
 
Without a doubt, I would not be where I am in life, professionally or personally, if these NCOs and one special section superintendent had not invested in me as an Airman. They helped me grow up; they fostered my confidence, walked me to the education center to sign up for classes, ensured I never spent a holiday alone, invested in my upgrade training and were there to pick me up when life had me down – and if I was really in trouble, the master sergeant would step in and solve all my problems! I honestly had no idea who my first sergeant and commander was; all I needed was my first-line supervisor – the NCO who had my back. 
 
NCOs have the power to affect Airmen’s lives in positive ways every day. To the NCOs out there: not only are you the future of our Air Force, but you have been entrusted with the noble task of developing the next generation of leaders. I trust you 100 percent. Keep pressing with excellence. 
 
Note: Part II will address empowering NCOs.