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Show I IS Hilltop Times J1 JJ, n O LIFETIMES 19. 1991. 84 s nlD by Donna Davis Hilltop Times staff writer When Col. William It. Rahter first became commander of the 2849th Air Base Group in July 1989, he told the air base group, "I do not intend to do your job for you. When you need my help, I expect you to come to me and when I need better performance I'll come to you." According to those who work with him, Rahter has stood firm to the notion of an empowered employee. "The people do the jobs. If I take care of those people, they'll take care of the jobs," said the colonel "My goal has been to take care of the people. They've done the job and done it very well and I'm proud of them." Gail Carlson of the Base Plans and Disaster Preparedness Division said, "Colonel Rahter has always actively involved himself in the quality of life for the entire Hill AFB family, both military and civilian. During his tenure, many of the transient living and visiting facilities were renovated and many work areas were improved base-widThis is due to Colonel Ranter's efforts to ensure funding for the store so materials were available e. self-hel- p to the customers." Rahter said he is most proud of the air group's efforts in operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield and the support of the whole Hill network during and after the deployment. "Mobility processing is one of my f mmmemti direct responsibilities, and we moved a lot of people in a short time. As they left, I was confident they had proper equipment and the support they needed to do their job," he said. While the airmen were deployed, a support network took care of business at home. "The Family Support Center CARE line worked very hard with many projects to help the family cope and continue everyday functions such as taking care of cars or broken appliances," the colonel said. "A complete support program was formed from social activities and support groups to professional counseling and someone to listen." Rahter also respects the civilian effort. "I have no doubt that the civilian workmen here are doing their jobs for the same reasons I wear a uniform. We work for the same common goal of protecting the freedom so cfear to us," said the colonel. "That dedication showed itself during Desert Shield and Desert Storm on both sides of the house. "I'll miss the people here more than anything else, and my wife, Bea, feels the same way," said the colonel. "The work ethic is very high. The warmth of the people is a sincere warmth. They have shared their home, meaning both their state and their physical homes, in a friendly, open way I haven't seen in many other places." Rahter is leaving Hill for Warner Robins AFB, Ga., where he will serve as director of inspections for the Air 66 My goal has been to take care of the people. They've done the job and done it very well... 99 Col. William R. Rahttr Outgoing commander. 28494) Air Bat Group Force Reserve inspector general. He hopes to combine his background in flight operations with the people skills honed at Hill when he inspects Air Force Reserve units. "Sometimes the inspector is viewed as the guy in the black hat. But I believe I can use my experience to create an opportunity for the unit I inspect," he said. "When you see a problem, you have to stand up tall and tell them what's wrong and how to improve. I don't believe in just criticizing and walking away. You need the background and knowledge to be able make recommendations for a so- lution." Rahter said his two years at Hill were the best two years in his career. "There is no doubt in my mind that Hill will become an even greater place. As the changes in the military and defense budget continue, I think the people at Hill are willing to live in the new environment, empowering the worker so that the defense mission can be accomplished in an even better way." "His record of success for a commander in two short years is and will serve as an example for successors to come," :aid Carlson. "The base commander's job has never been easy," she said. She points out that when the Morale, Welfare and Recreation division organizations lost much of their appropriated funding, Rahter immersed himself in resolving the problems and rninimizing the impact to the base. A fitness center was opened in the West Area, an addition to the child care center was built, care for children of civilian employees was expanded and a 33 percent improvement in funds performance was realized. un-equal- 3-- Rodeo Special! July 16th thru 24th - SHARKSKIN BOOTS Beware of all the looks you'll get in these genuine sharkskin boots. 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