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Show July 13, 2006 B Commentary: Faith in the system Meet the New Commander: Maj. Michael Hammond takes over Equipment Maintenance Squadron the recommended endorsement level of 388th Fighter Wing Inspector his evaluation. The General's office SNCO appealed this evaluation to the Air During a "hot wash" Force Personnel Center 1. Where is your hometown? after an Inspector General I'm from Fairborn, Ohio right beside Enlisted Reports Appeal visit a commander quoted, Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Board (ERAB) and "everyone start taking good his request to have the notes.'Thisstatementstarted evaluation removed from 2. Do you have any family here? the thinking process of one I'm here with my wife Trish, son Braydon his record was denied. senior noncommissioned (6), and daughter Abby (1). The ERAB informed officer (SNCO), "they're out him that a substantiated to get someone and it could 3. How do you spend off duty time? Inspector General include me." I enjoy fishing, hiking and spending time Report of Investigation Let'sstaYtatthebeginning. or a substantiated Equal with my family. I hope to try hunting again, Within two months of arrival take my family camping and get the kids on at his new duty station, a Opportunity complaint statement was made by a group commander could help justify removal. skis. equivalent. "If anyone thinks there is a better Several months later, and upon graduation place to be than 'here' just have that individual from in-residence attendance at the USAF 4. What are your personal goals as the ask to leave and we'll make it happen." The SNCO Academy, this same SNCO received new Equipment Maintenance Squadron next day the SNCOs' commander said, if another evaluation due to a change of rater. commander? you pursue this offer, don't expect a good Ultimately it's about getting the mission Needless to say this referral evaluation was evaluation when you PCS. The first sergeant not received well. The referral was for the done and caring for the people and their also added, don't expect your choice or a families. I want to ensure they participate same reason his immediate commander dream assignment out of here either. in ways to improve our organization, had downgraded the previous evaluation, maintain our fleet at the highest standards Over the course of the next several months, the meeting with the group commander the situation got progressively worse for not equivalent. and are fully prepared to deploy when only this SNCO but other members of the unit To lose faith in the system is to adopt the required. as well. Some reasons self-inflicted, some not. view that you know better than those above This SNCO finally decided that he would take you in the chain of command what should or 5. What challenges do you see as the 6. What advice would you give to those the "group commander" up on the offer. First, should not be done. In other words, to lose new EMS commander? he requested a meeting with his immediate faith in the system is to place self before I believe we will see a number of changes pursuing an Air Force career? Realize the relevancy of your role and the commander and was denied the PCS request, service. Leaders can be very influential in during the next couple of years. At home, the "this offer was not designed for someone like this regard. remainder of the wing's aircraft will complete difference you can make. you." Take pride in yourself, your work and The SNCO finally decided to contact the the CCIP modification resulting in increased find opportunities to make a difference. I Over the course of the next several months DoD Inspector General. During this five year combat capability. believe the transition the AF is going through the SNCO elevated his request to the next process and investigation, this SNCO never Organizationally, we will join forces currently provides many opportunities for level through an official open door policy lost sight of our Air Force Core Values and with the reserves and potentially depot process change. 'Take a minute everyday request. The SNCO felt a very unprofessional Faith in the system. (conventional munitions) to create a more to improve something and talk with those and hostile work environment existed within He faithfully and patiently used all redress experienced and capable workforce with around you about ways to improve how we the unit, and it was time to leave. At each avenues at his disposal and in the end received better equipment. I also believe we will operate. meeting, the SNCO was asked why he wanted all monies owed to him for award of and continue to experience some force shaping to leave, so he told them. Remember to take care of yourself, spend and increased aircraft utilization. Abroad, promotion to Senior Master Sergeant. time with friends and family, and take time to During the course of this process the we can be proud that the capabilities we bring In summary, if you have been wronged enjoy all that is here around you. My advice SNCO's evaluation was being prepared. After your senior leaders will fix the injustice. to the fight are desired and relied upon by is, "just do the job right the first time and the the meeting with the group commander those on the ground. I'm very proud to be Have faith in your leadership and "the rest will take care of itself". equivalent, his commander downgraded associated with this mission. system". BY DONALD MATTHEWS warrior leadership skills. More people are deploying and they bring home the skills needed to operate and lead in that expeditionary environment. It's Continued from A critical to capture those efficiencies Continued from A down range and apply them back home. Deploying as a member of the advance advising ground commanders how to These practices and that mentality will he prepared for the unit's arrival team, employ airpower in conjunction with grow and shape the warrior culture of while working closely with the unit that ground maneuver forces," said Chief the Air Force." was leaving to insure an easy transition. Klukas. "We incorporated airpower into the One aspect of the warrior culture Lieutenant Harrison is an Eagle Scout ground scheme and controlled it to provide that is obviously important to the Chief and has served as a volunteer fire fighter devastating effect." is physical fitness. Since his arrival, the and Emergency Medical Technician. Spending years involved in combat Chief has led many impromptu pushup He is'also a member of a local Certified maneuvers with the Army has given the sessions and other random exercise Emergency Response Team which helps Chief an interesting education, one that sessions. Location matters little. From organize community relief efforts in case makes him a better leader today. a single person to a conference room of a disaster. "It was very rewarding. The discipline and full of people, the Chief will lead them "It's a great award for Lieutenant challenges I experienced better prepared in a set of'20.' Harrison," said Lt. Col. Christian Funk, me for today's environment," he said. "Fitness can never be overstated," 419th Operations Group commander. "Combat leadership is perfect for today's "In today's said Chief Klukas. "But it doesn't really give him due credit expeditionary environment. It really helps to expeditionary environment, the Air for all the work he does." have a perspective of what goes through the Force wants and needs prepared, fit Sergeant Brown has worked as her minds of Airmen in combat. Understanding warriors who can handle the stress unit's first sergeant for the last three what goes through their minds when they're of combat and deployments. It's a years. Sergeant Brown volunteered deployed or in the field will help you to better fact that the ability to handle stress is to deploy to Iraq in support of OIF lead them." proportionate to the level of physical and provided up-to-date information While leading Airmen has been an fitness." to prepare deploying troops. She ultimate achievement for the Chief, his time Physical fitness is just one of many spearheaded family briefings, provided with the Army had a deep impact on his responsibilities for Airmen today. health care and benefit information for career. Some may think a command chief is family members, and created personal "The most rewarding snapshots from too busy to be mindful of Airmen and information sheets for deploying my career are split. I say that because as a the challenges they face, but that's just personnel. command chief deployed in the AOR, it was not the case with Chief Klukas. During another deployment to the very rewarding leading combat Airmen," "As a command chief, my biggest Naval Air Station in Key West, Fla., said Chief Klukas. "Then there are the eight responsibility is to help Airmen," he Sergeant Brown worked hard to reduce and a half years I spent with the Rangers. said. "I'm in a position to help so many the number of lodging and pay issues for Photo by Staff Sgt. Shane Sharp There's no tighter group of warriors than the Airmen and provide a positive example deployed individuals. As command chief of the 388th Fighter Wing, Chief Klukas' Rangers. To be part of that elite organization duties involve administrative work at his desk. However, theof leadership. That responsibility is Sergeant Brown's commander, Lt. helped shape and mold me as a warrior Col. Lynne Hull, is very pleased with echoes of operational years spent with the Army Rangers something I think about everyday." leader." According to the Chief, it's crucial for the recognition that Sergeant Brown One of the first lessons the Green Bay are evident on the walls of his office. Airmen to know how they fit into the big received. Packers fan from Wisconsin received in picture of.the Air Force. "No one deserves it more' than combat leadership came courtesy of the U.S. all levels know their mission and how itSergeant Brown," she said. "She's what a "It's so important for Airmen at Army Ranger School. "Ranger school is an intense course in combat leadership," said the affects the end state of expeditionary operations," said Chief Klukas. "It's first sergeant is supposed to be. She puts her people first without worrying about Chief. "You are dead tired, famished beyond belief and you have to find aimportant that Airmen understand their significance to the Air Force the politics involved." way to lead people who are just as tired and famished as you are. There mission because they all play an important part." The Chief also said the Air Force's success is a direct result of the Both Sergeant Brown and Lieutenant is no greater challenge than effectively leading people in that kind of an quality of the men and women in uniform and his favorite part of his job Harrison said they enjoyed the event and environment." is serving with them. appreciated receiving the community During his tenure with the Rangers, Chief Klukas deployed for "A lot has been said about the caliber of today's Airmen," said Chief recognition. Operation Just Cause where he participated in a night combat parachute "The evening was definitely a highlight assault. This and other experiences fostered a warrior mentality in the Klukas. "Some people say that they are made up of 'Generation X' and that they have dependability and loyalty issues. That's just not the case. in my career," Lieutenant Harrison said. Chief. "My parents were there and they had This warrior mentality is also known as a warrior ethos. The dictionaryToday's Airmen are dependable and loyal and make up the best, most never been to anything like that before. definition of ethos is given as, "the distinctive spirit of a culture or an era"professional Air Force in the world. Our people make the Air Force a and "the typical spirit, character or attitudes of a group or community." great place to be. Working among them and helping them develop is what It was eye opening for them to see what the military does for our community." The expeditionary nature of today's Air Force is changing its culture. I love most." Chief Klukas' unique career has provided him with strong leadership More focus is being paid to being ready to deploy and carrying out the Sergeant Brown agreed. mission once you do. According to the Chief, this environment is helpingknowledge and skills. Add in his positive, motivated personality and you "I thought it was outstanding that the get the warrior leader he is today. When asked if there were any parting chamber would recognize the military in the Air Force's warrior mentality evolve. advice he would like to offer the Airmen of the 388th FW, the Chief such a manner. I was impressed by it and "The Air Force warrior ethos is gaining momentum," said Chief Klukas. "PME is evolving to include field training exercises to teach flashed a wide smile and replied, "Be ready for the fight." felt honored to be there," she said. GALA CHIEF 388th FW Editorial Staff Col. Robert Beletic, Commander 2nd. Lt. Beth Woodward Airman 1st Class Stefanie Torres, Editor The Total Force Viper is a supplement to the 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 the 75th ABW Public Affairs Office. This civilian enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of The Total Force Viper are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force. Unless otherwise indicated, all photos are U.S. Air Force photos. Advertisements contained herein do not 419th FW Editorial Staff Col. Gary Batinich, Commander Karl Tilton, Acting Chief of Public Affairs constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the U.S. Air Force or Hill AFB. 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