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Show Hilltop Times 20. 2004 May Commentary War teaches leadership lesson Do things right first, every time by Maj. James McClellan 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England (AFPN) How many times have you heard someone say, "We need to do this right," or have had a supervisor counsel you on "doing the right thing"? I have many times in my career, but it was not until recently that I took the time to find out what this often-use- d phrase means. Understanding the parts of the phrase, as well as the meaning behind them, is critical to being an effective leader. Leaders need to be actively involved in their units and the first part of this phrase is all about action: "to do." For a leader, the act of doing involves engagement with the troops, implies involvement in the key processes in the unit, and most of all, demands the leader be visible. More than likely, this means he or she must leave the comfort zone; get out from behind the desk, work a different shift and volunteer to lead additional duties. A leader must be on point, out in front and active in the organization. But action is not enough; a leader must have a firm set of values and beliefs. This brings us to the second part of the phrase, "the right." The right is a measure of an individual's set of values, beliefs and customs. Do know the differbe enceyoubetween right and wrong? Leaders are often asked to make decisions that have ethical implications. Afirm foundation of institutional values and beliefs, like the Air Force core values of "integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do" should be our anchor, the foundation that lead- A leader must on point, out in front and active in the organization. ers and followers alike Maj. James McClellan require. In an article titled "Air Force Standards and Accountability," former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ronald Fogleman stated it best. He said, "At the very foundation of those concepts must be standards that are uniformly known, consistently applied and nonselectively enforced." Getting to the third and final part of the phrase, "the thing" is the actual act you're executing. This is the technical part. Leaders need to have a technical understanding of the processes they are charged to manage. Of course, this is gained through experience and training in one's career field. I counsel the company grade officers in my unit to "walk the line." This is a phrase plucked out of my logistical experiences and refers to understanding the intricacies of fuel pipelines, valves and tanks in a typical fuels management flight. You have to walk the fuel lines to really understand how ' ""' the entire system functions:" ' ' '" " "" line" Leaders must take the time to "walk the every day to ensure they know their business like no other. After all, sound decisions start with a solid understanding of the thing you are doing. The next time you say you're going to "do the right thing," think about the parts of that phrase and what it means to your followers, your unit and you. Don't let them down by not following through completely. Remembf r to implement the Air Force's core values at all times. i ; ; Hill play an electronic game a nurse was carrying. I found that extraordinary. I can't reveal any of the personal 5th Bomb Wing safety office information he shared, because he is one of the guys you MINOT AFB, N.D. (AFPN) Every once in a don't see or hear. John was one of the many members of the armed forces while, life has a way of slinging a curve ball at your chin and waking you up. For me, it happened last summer when doing the work the president asked us to complete after the war we all watch and read about materialized right in Sept. 11, 2001. He did this dangerous task in conditions under the cloak of anonymity. front of me. It taught me a valuable lesson in life and leadand talking to him, I suddenly felt the brutality Watching ership. It was supposed to be just another "check ride." I was fly- and reality of war. Another human being with more guts ing with a crew handling an emergency aeromedical than I will ever have was just doing his job when a nameevacuation mission out of Kandahar, Afghanistan. After sev- less, faceless coward took a cheap shot, slithered back into eral previous flights into Kandahar hauling "beans and bul- the crowd and changed John's life forever. These are the lets," the missions once filled with trepidation had now kind of people we are fighting the same cowards who fly civilian airliners into buildings full of innocent people. become somewhat routine. That's where the story starts. Eventually, I helped carry John's stretcher to the ambuAll we knew was that someone had been shot in the face lance. I gave him my squadron patch so when the morphine wore off, he would have a "road map" of those who while on patrol. The critical care air transport team traveling with us also had very little information. Upon arrival, helped get him to his destination. The nurse put it with his the surgeon tending to the patient briefed the medics, then growing collection of unit patches. With a handshake and a "thumbs up" they took him away. the flight crew. I hope to see him again someday, standing and smiling "John" (not his real name, but nonetheless a very real person) had been leading his unit through a crowd, when out this time, so I can thank him for the lesson in life I of nowhere someone shot him in the left side of his face learned that summer's night. The experience taught me a lesson in leadership. In 1910, with a small caliber weapon. The bullet shattered his lower President exited his mouth and cheek. traveled his Teddy Roosevelt gave a speech in France entijaw, right through According to all accounts, he then walked to a vehicle tled "Citizenship in a Republic." From it was gleaned his famous "Man in the Arena" comments. If you have never and was driven to a medical care facility. When I first saw him on the stretcher, his head was read the speech, I encourage you to do so. It is an excelcompletely bandaged, much like a winter cap that only lent example of the men and women currently waging the the kind who put it on the line every reveals your eyes, nose and mouth. On the flight, war on terrorism the medical team worked to make him as comfortable as day knowing the risk they take. They are the kind who are possible. After we landed, a specialist immediately saw him not afraid to try and make the world a better and safer place and said he should continue his journey to somewhere with for everyone. They are the kind who, when the curve ball lean out over the plate a little more the comes in more advanced facilities. While those arrangements were being made, I stopped next time. the ones who encourage othto talk to John. Despite the numerous tubes and IV lines, They are true leaders he was in good spirits. I suppose enough morphine has a ers to keep fighting regardless of the odds against them. They are the kinds of men and women President Rooway of doing that for you. Hexommunicated by writing questions on a note pad. He answered in the same manner. sevelt would have loved. They are the true heroes. God At one point, despite his condition, he had the energy to bless 'em all. by Rod Krause five-ho- ur chin-hig- List of everyday heroes is endless Teton-sizerough spots, are my heroes. They are constant reminders that I have a cheering section when I need Grand by Master Sgt. Ginger Schreitmueller Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs It wasn't a heated HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFPN) discussion, but certainly one that provoked a vocal exchange of opinions. It wasn't about politics, policies or religion. It was word: Hero. centered on a My friend insisted the term is overused, being randomly placed in news articles that highlight individuals for everything from saving a trapped kitten to Airmen on the battlefields in Iraq. His viewpoint is if you label everyone a hero, then you degrade the significance of the term.Ifyou are just doing your ' job, you can't be a hero. You are just good at what you do." Not true, I countered. Labeling people as heroes does not belittle the term. On the contrary, it enhance'sthe power of the word. That is when I stepped on my soapbox. I have tons of heroes. Some have done unbelievable feats. Some have done simple little actions. All make a serious impact on my life. For example, Superman is my hero. He is strong and tough' on the outside; inside he is mild mannered. Kryptonite aside, he reminds me that you have to have balance in your four-lett- er life. My family and friends, whose faith has pulled me over some d one. My children are my heroes. They know how to make me laugh when I want to cry. They continually surprise me with their levelheaded philosophy on living life. They remind me being a mom is the coolest job in the world. Then there are people like retired Master Sgt. Tim Wilkinson. His personal courage and humble attitude remind me that dedication and professionalism make the difference even when firefight. you're in the midst of a ; :As I rambled on with my list of heroes, my friend conceded the discussion with his hands up in an gesture. I didn't necessarily win but I did thake my point. Everyone needs heroes and you can't have too much of a good thing. My personal list of heroes is endless, and I hope I continue to add names to that illustrious list every chance I get. Heroes 15-ho- ur "" t" are those whose actions, words, deeds or mere presence portray courage and strength. My heroes remind me what is important in life. It is not about being good at your job or being recognized for some specific achievement. It is about the impact you make in the life of others. All you can ever hope is that you are on someone's list of heroes. Street views 'How would you encourage someone to vote?' rf j iiit Tech. Sgt. Paul Brubaker Storage distributor NCIOC 649th Munitions Squadron Staff Sgt. Justin Bell Munitions storage stamp manager 649th Munitions Squadron "Make sure that people are "Just show them how the last knowledgeable about what presidential election came they are voting for so they can down to just a few thousand make an informed decision." votes, so theirs could make a difference." Airman 1st Class Jason Harlan Maintenance storage crew chief 649th Munitions Squadron "I would say that voting is the way we control our government If you don't vote you lose control. Voting is what makes America great the QSr k "if?" Jackie Rowe Stock control specialist 649th Munitions Squadron tell them that if you don't vote, you don't have a choice and you can't complain about who's in office." Staff Sgt. Kristina Coucoules Storage movement control specialist 649th Munitions Squadron "I would "Let them know that it could affect their life. If you don't vote and someone gets elected you don't like, they could enact bills that negatively affect your life." Dianne Ingle Clinical nurse 75th Medical Group "I would send out reminding people that it's their duty to vote and that voting should make them think about all of our freedoms." leaders are run by the people." The U.S. Air Force Quality Systems for America's Air Force Hilltop Times Published by Ogden Publishing Corp.. a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Hill AFB. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the meeting the challenge through Global Vigilance, Reach and Power. U.S. military services. 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