The Force's Most Valuable Asset = Our Airmen

  • Published
  • By Col. Paul Skala
  • 325th Medical Group
Our 325th Fighter Wing's mission is to train and project unrivaled combat power.

Continued success in achieving this mission is not only dependent upon innovative leadership, resourceful employment of our assets, and cutting-edge technology, but also on the outstanding quality of our Airmen. The 325th Fighter Wing's recent track record of excellence speaks for itself:

2012 "Excellent" AF Logistics Compliance Assessment Program
Inspection

2011 "Excellent" AETC IG Compliance Inspection

2011 "Excellent" AF Health Service Inspection & Full 3-Year Civilian Accreditation

2010 "Outstanding" Command Cyber Readiness Inspection

As we face the exciting opportunities of transitioning to Air Combat Command, bedding-down a combat coded F-22 squadron, and integrating T-38s and QF-16s into our air operations, taking best care of our Airmen (Military, Civilians, & Contractors) is critical to our continued success.

Taking best care of our Airmen requires both a personal and professional commitment from leaders and fellow Wingmen. Just as we would never allow a family member to engage in reckless behavior which could end their life or harm others, we are equally obligated to take decisive action to protect our Airmen. For example, intervening to prevent fellow Airmen from taking their own life, driving under the influence of alcohol, using illegal drugs, or engaging in sexual harassment/assault is every Wingman's responsibility. The safety and well being of our family members is extremely important, and our Checkertail Airmen are our family members.

Yogi Berra, a Hall of Fame baseball player and three time most valuable player with the New York Yankees, defined the special obligation of teammates when he said, "When you're part of a team, you stand up for your teammates. Your loyalty is to them. You protect them through good and bad, because they'd do the same for you."

Taking the time to mentor and recognize our Airmen is another way of sustaining excellence. In some instances, taking best care of our Airmen requires direct and honest feedback to identify opportunities for improvement to maximize performance.
In others, a simple pat on the back for a job well done is exactly what is needed and can make a world of difference. To recognize our most deserving Airmen and position them for future leadership opportunities, we must also take the time to nominate them for Air Force and Team Tyndall quarterly and annual awards. The small investments we make in challenging and recognizing our Airmen now can pay significant dividends as we tackle complex mission challenges in the future.

Finally, the special bond that exists between Team Tyndall Wingmen also exists between our families, especially during times of crisis. Taking best care of our Airmen requires that we remain vigilantly aware of the stressors they face and quickly/compassionately engaging them if we notice significant changes in their behavior. Our Mental Health Flight (283- 7511) can be extremely helpful in providing tailored support in this area so do not hesitate to contact them for assistance. Also, do not underestimate the positive impact you can have by simply taking the time to ask how your Airmen are doing and utilizing our Fighter Wing's many superior helping agencies (Mental Health, Chaplain, Airman and Family Readiness...) to provide needed assistance.

The 325th Fighter Wing and Team Tyndalls' blistering record of mission accomplishment is a direct result of our high caliber Airmen. By taking best care of them and their families, Team Tyndall will continue to train and project unrivaled combat power.