Command Chief's Column: Growing Where We Are Planted

  • Published
  • By Cheif Master Sgt. Nina Watkins
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing
MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. --  I once read a commentary about 'Growing Where You Are Planted' that addressed wherever your life's path takes you, grow in that place. The 927th was planted at MacDill and we are doing what the commentary suggested.

We've grown tremendously since our standup. Because of you, we have demonstrated our mission readiness during deployments, and when called upon, we operated the Command and Control center for total force crews (AD, ANG & AFR) for Haiti relief. We've worked hard in preparation for inspections. We excelled in the NORI and received recognition by the Inspector General (IG) team. Our Command Post personnel received team recognition, an LRS airman was coined, and our Maintenance and Operations Groups personnel performed superbly. Job well done by all!

We saw the growth of our airmen through professional military education; over 180 completed Airmen Leadership School, NCO Academy, SNCO Academy, NCO Leadership and the Senior NCO Leadership Courses. Additionally, we commissioned numerous CCAF graduates and four deserving airmen.

Accolades abound for the talent within this wing; we have an AFRC Recruiter of the Year (2X recipient - Master Sgt. French), AFRC Process Manager of the Year (Lt Col Winhold), 4AF AE Operational Support SNCO (Master Sgt. Delacruz), two awards from Tampa Chamber Military Affairs Council (Master Sgt. French and Staff Sgt. McNealy-Simmons); awarded for outstanding flying achievement, 4AF Outstanding Airman & Family Readiness Program and Nathan Altschuler Outstanding Education and Training Office; Outstanding Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron with C-130 primary mission design, and a total force award as the Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award winner for the small unit category. Airmen like Senior Airman Nolting and Master Sgt. McNeil worked with AFRC level events in a distinctive manner. Other airmen are working on assignments with their 4AF and AFRC functional managers. AFRC Stars!

We have definitely grown where we were planted. Our community involvement is very strong and active. We've hosted civic tours, congressional staffers, co-hosted with Active Duty the Honorary Commander immersion in Operations and Maintenance Groups, hosted Civil Air Patrol Cadets, British Royal Air Force Cadets, ROTC cadets from the University of South Florida, been the guest speaker at the State Veterans Nursing Home and other events throughout the Tampa Bay area, hosted 25 kids from a local foster home, donated to and served the homeless, mentored students from elementary to high school and our Honor Guard (joint w/AD) increased community appreciation of the military at professional hockey, football and baseball games.

We continue to work side-by-side with our 6th Air Mobility Wing associate. Jointly, we take care of the mission and our people. Together, we completed the NORI and will complete the Operational Readiness Inspection. We partnered in events like the Honorary Commanders Program, the Chiefs Induction Ceremony, Military Ball, Pancake breakfast, toy drive and Thanksgiving dinner for our families. Mission First, People Always!

Seeds of success were sewn; and we will reap what we sow - PREMIER performance by premier minded airmen. In 2011, we will continue to train and demonstrate mission capability and prepare for our compliance inspection. Plans are underway to enhance our recognition programs; i.e. quarterly awards, induction of Staff and Master Sergeants, and CCAF graduation. The First Sergeants will present their Diamond Sharp Award to deserving airmen; and the Chiefs will nominate airmen for the MacDill Chiefs Group Warrior Award. We are committed to developing AF leaders. We will host the First Sergeant Academy Additional Duty Course, Senior NCO Leadership Course, and the NCO Leadership Course. A Professional Development Seminar for enlisted and company grade officers is being discussed. To stay up-to-date on seeds that are being planted, join us on Face book to receive updates on Wing announcements and events (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Tampa-FL/927th-Wing/103602983004305) or search "927th Wing" on facebook.

It is an exciting time to serve at the 927th where there are opportunities for you to grow where you are planted. I looked forward to growing with you.