By Chief Master Sgt. Richard Turcotte 314th Airlift Wing command chief
Motivation doesn’t always come easy. You see it from time to time, you expect it from others and sometimes you look deep within yourself to find it. For me, it manifests itself within my children, when I put on the uniform or when I witness a selfless act.
It’s been said that if you want to make things happen the ability to motivate yourself and others is a crucial skill. At work, home and everywhere in between, people use motivation to get results. It requires a delicate balance of communication, structure and incentives.
Leaders motivate using several different techniques and tools. Some use performance recognition, kindness, deadlines, short and long term goals, constructive criticism and some, as a last resort, use consequences. There really is no limit to what motivates someone to perform.
As supervisors and leaders, it’s our responsibility to identify both strengths and weaknesses; not only within ourselves, but in those we wish to lead. This isn’t a simple task and it requires a great deal of communication, commitment and honest feedback on the part of the leader and those they serve.
We owe it to each and every Airman to create an environment that is challenging, rewarding and fulfilling. Seek out feedback and get excited about what you do for our Air Force. Find out what motivates you and look for ways to exploit that response daily. You will be surprised at how contagious motivation and enthusiasm can be when others see you at your best.
By Lt. Col. Philip Everitte 714th Training Squadron commander
As we approach the Fourth of July weekend we should all feel fortunate to have so many opportunties for fun and exploration in our backyard.
Arkansas has 52 state parks; many national parks including Hot Springs, the Buffalo National River, a portion of the Trail of Tears National Historical Trail; numerous nature centers, waterfalls and waterways for kayaking, canoeing, hiking, swimming, and fishing.
One of my favorite activities includes a canoe or kayak trip on the Buffalo River. The Buffalo can be challenging or relaxing depending on which stretch of the river you pick and it is a great way to deal with the heat, which has just begun to demonstrate its presence for you folks new to the area.
The White River, Little Red River, and other area rivers also offer welcome respite with cool water generated from the bottom of dams at Bull Shoals Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, and Lake Ouachita. If you are into boating or fishing these areas may be for you.
Within a few minutes of the base is the new Witt Stephens Jr. Nature Center, located along the Arkansas River in downtown Little Rock. The center is a great introduction to the sportmans’ paradise which abounds in the state. More examples of fun waiting to happen here in Central Arkansas include hiking at Pinnacle Mountain or biking/hiking on trails in Burns Park or the 15 mile river trail that includes the Big Dam Bridge. If you want to venture a little further, Petit Jean Mountain, Mount Magazine and Mount Nebo also offer great hiking and camping with outstanding views of the Arkansas River Valley.
Your career in the Air Force can offer unique opportunities to get outside and find out what many areas have to offer and a chance to be a part of those experiences.
I say get outside and enjoy them while in Arkansas.
By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley 19th Airlift Wing Command Chief
This week put into perspective that being the first out of the gate doesn’t guarantee finishing on top in a race or in our professions. In our give-it-to-me-my-way-and-give-it-to-me-now society, we end up repeating things we should only have to do once. This typically happens because we are in such a rush to finish versus providing the best product possible. As we continue to operate in various parts of the world, executing at the proper pace while following correct procedures will determine our ability to project Combat Airlift. A good friend of mine would often say to me, “where there is heavy traffic, there will soon be an accident.” This was his way of telling me that, if not careful, moving too quickly or without proper preparation can lead to problems.
There are many ways to slow down to ensure all of us arrive together at our destination. One is to take an interest in those around you. Investing time in people may slow you down initially, yet the investment in them will yield great results. If we slow down to get to know those we see daily, maybe they may slow down and think when they are performing a task on-or-off duty. Can you recognize a person who may be having personal stress or are we too busy to notice the signs?
Many motorcycle fatalities are a result of people moving at excess speeds. I just got a sobering briefing today on a 21-year-old Airman who recently died on a motorcycle where excessive speed was a factor.
As teammates, are you aware of those around you who may be involved in activities that could put them at risk? Ironically, when we rush to do things and they don’t go as planned, we end up stopping to assess the damage. So let’s all endeavor to slow down to get there faster in regards to how we live, work and play.
By Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Airmen from the 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron are key components in Little Rock Air Force Base’s Herculean mission crucial to wartime and humanitarian Combat Airlift efforts.
“This year alone, the Aerial Operations Flight has moved 5,000 passengers, processed 1,250 tons of cargo, serviced 5,162 planes and rigged and recovered 6,874 air drop loads and tactical training bundles in support of Air Mobility Command, Air Education and Training Command and Air Combat Command missions,” said 1st Lt. Francine Kwarteng, 19th LRS Aerial Operations Flight commander.
The Aerial Operations Flight also provides support for the Denton Program, a commodities transportation program authorized by the Department of Defense.
According to the U.S. Aid website, “more than 600,000 pounds of humanitarian goods were sent to 17 different countries through the Denton Program.”
The flight recently supported two Denton program missions requiring humanitarian aid supplies.
The flight palletized more than 3,900 pounds of cargo for transport in May to needy children in Iraq. They also packed a ton of donated humanitarian aid supplies, including eye glasses, wheelchairs and other medical items that departed Little Rock Air Force Base June 24 bound for Honduras.
“The Denton Program allows the use of extra cargo space on U.S. military cargo aircraft to transport humanitarian assistance materials donated by non-governmental organizations, international organizations and private voluntary organizations,” said Lieutenant Kwarteng.
“Other places that have received humanitarian aid from us are Haiti, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands,” said Master Sgt. Javier Holst, 19th LRS NCO-in-charge of aircraft services.
In addition to providing humanitarian airlift, the flight also supports missions such as Joint Airborne/Air Transportation training.
Lieutenant Kwarteng said her flight members hold themselves to high standards of excellence.
“It’s our responsibility to ensure all missions landing and departing from this base receive the world-class support AMC customers have become accustomed to,” she said.
Sergeant Holst attributes his flight’s success to the positive “can do” attitude demonstrated by supervisors guiding Airmen through daily training and taskings. The senior NCO said there is a certain satisfaction from completing missions on a daily basis.
“At the end of the day, it’s satisfying to know that our flight provides training and airdrop loads to the world’s C-130 aircrews because it allows our aircrews the training to ensure both wartime and humanitarian Combat Airlift success,” said Sergeant Holst.
TOP STORY > >Fourth of July message from AMC commander
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – With the 233rd birthday of our great nation’s independence rapidly approaching, we prepare to celebrate our freedom with family and friends. Since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we have been vigilant in defending our ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Air Mobility Command is an integral part of that defense, both in the air and on the ground. Our tankers fuel the fight, creating unending global reach and persistence for the warfighter. In addition, our airlifters deliver supplies and personnel to the front lines with precision and velocity. Furthermore, our aeromedical evacuation operations rapidly transport wounded warriors around the world for treatment while caring for them in flight. Your great efforts also support critical humanitarian relief to those struck by disaster where and when needed.
I am extremely proud of all of you - active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen, civilian employees, retirees and contractors - each of whom make a difference every day as AMC conducts its mission. As I visit our operations around the globe, I am continually impressed by your hard work, dedication and professionalism.
Spouses and family members, please know it’s your support that helps makes us great. Without your constant love, friendship and sacrifice, AMC’s mission could not be accomplished. Thank you for all you do.
As the Critical Days of Summer progress, please continue your strong focus on safety, both at home and in the workplace. You and your family are important members of the Air Force team and we cannot afford to lose you. I challenge every commander, supervisor and wingman to ensure all of us and our families stay safe during this long holiday weekend. Please continue to stay focused and remain aware of the hazardous effects of fatigue, lack of seat belt and helmet use, speeding, and alcohol, whether it involves driving or other activities. Unfortunately, there have already been six Air Force fatalities from motor vehicle accidents since the start of Memorial Day weekend, one of which was in AMC.
The Lichtes wish you and your family a safe and relaxing Independence Day. It is an honor to be your commander as you continue to provide unrivaled global reach for America -- always.
By Capt. Tom Hail 19th Medical Group Mental Health social worker
In January 2009, the number of Army deaths from suicide outpaced the number of soldiers killed by al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Iraq combined. The Air Force has also seen an increase in suicides from the previous year.
Little Rock Air Force Base has had an increase in suicide-related behaviors since the beginning of the year. Life difficulties or emotional distress triggers an impulse to end their own lives for some of our vulnerable Airmen. Although most of our fellow Airmen recover from temporary stress, grief or depression, some tragically resort to suicide. A phrase from the Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s April 24 Letter to Airmen sums up my conviction perfectly, “One suicide is too many, and we cannot let our guard down as we work to prevent the next.”
Suicide awareness programs have been re-emphasized in response to these troubling trends. Efforts have been doubled to train leaders and supervisors to be vigilant and act when they see early signs of distress. During safety day, our wing leadership dedicated time to brief every Airman on the principles of suicide prevention. Additionally, a host of medical and mental health professionals work hard every day to provide world-class care to those who are distressed. Even with all of these measures in place, we still lose members of our Air Force family to this alarming problem.
It is vital for each one of us to get involved to prevent the next suicide. Programs, training, briefings, and availability of professional services are practically useless without the personal involvement of each of us.
The key to preventing the next suicide is you. Will you take time to listen to a fellow Airman who has been discouraged lately?
Will you take statements of self-harm seriously when you hear them? Will you tell the person why their life is important to you?
Will you go with that person to get help instead of sending them to find help on their own?
As a mental health provider, I’m privileged to witness firsthand the lifesaving acts of good Wingmen on this base. They saved lives by simply identifying the danger signs and actively assisting their fellow Wingmen to get help. What could feel more rewarding than knowing you were instrumental in saving a life of a friend? We have all promised when reciting the Airmen’s Creed to “never leave an Airman behind,” and that’s what is required from each of us to prevent the next suicide.
The following is a list of suicide prevention resources:
Military Onesource at 1-800-342-9647 or online www.militaryonesource.com n Chaplain at 987-6014
Family Advocacy at 987-7377
Airman and Family Readiness at 987-6801 n Primary Care Clinic at 987-8811
Mental Health Clinic at 987-7338
Bridgeway Hospital at 771-1500 (24 hour evaluation)
By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley 19th Airlift Wing Command Chief
Today, after another busy day on “the Rock,” a few of us sat around the office and began to discuss what we respect in good leadership. Mrs. Cheryl Fraser, the 19th Airlift Wing commander’s secretary, made the point that the best leaders understand that their gifts and talents are to be used to take care of those around them. I believe each of us possess unique talents and abilities that set us apart from anyone else.
The best leaders understand they must model the behavior they want others to emulate. So are you letting your talents benefit your organization, community and family? If not, then we all miss out on the experience of learning from you. Never forget the gifts that reside within you are to help those around you. If you aren’t sure what your gifts are, then you may need a little self-exploration. But I can assure you of one thing, and that is you have talents unique to you.
Some of you have technical or mechanical talents, while others have administrative gifts that help people keep order in their processes.
Yet others have less tangible, but vitally important gifts. The gift of encouragement comes to mind for me. I have a dear friend, who has cancer, yet his faith and family are strong and he is demonstrating to me how to deal with adversity with dignity.
It’s amazing what sharing the gift of kindness and understanding can do for someone. Will you consider sharing those with someone today?
So I thank Mrs. Fraser for reminding me today that power is not about you feeling good, but it’s about using what you have to help others.
Some of the best leaders understand it’s never about them, but about others. I challenge each of you to continue to unwrap the gifts within you while we protect our nation and way of life.
