DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- “Airpower…because without it—you lose,” Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark A. Welsh III stated in his retirement address. Airpower is not a cyber electron, missile, satellite, space vehicle or aircraft, it is an Airman and every Airman has a story. The Air Force family is made-up of Airmen with diverse backgrounds, focused on how to fly, fight and win. Airmen’s diversity is our strength and to employ this strength as Airmen we must know their story.
To learn the stories of Airmen we must create an environment of trust and transparency. As Air Force leaders we have the opportunity to work for phenomenal Airmen and learning their stories must run in parallel with creating an environment of trust and transparency. This type of environment will cultivate an atmosphere of excellence. All Airmen are leaders and as a leader it is your job to know and understand Airmen’s stories. We need to find the occasion where an Airman will open up and provide insight into their story.
Some Airmen are more comfortable in a formal setting, through a meeting or formal presentation. Other times it is a target of opportunity like a hospital visit or traveling for a TDY. Many times we can learn Airmen’s stories when we are out rocking the mission together and delivering Airpower.
Some of the best opportunities to learn an Airman’s story are in an informal setting. These settings usually provide a more relaxed climate. Informal settings could be at a squadron social event, professional organizational meetings or during an intramural event. Intramurals provide a medium to learn the stories of Airmen in a low threat environment, focused on teamwork and competition. The competition between squadrons in intramurals highlights the need for Airmen to learn each other’s stories outside of the work environment and breed comradery across squadrons. This level of comradery facilitates the desired environment of trust and transparency resulting in high performing Airmen who are able to deliver airpower, and have fun.
So Airmen, take care of each other and deliver “Airpower…because without it—you lose!”