Commentary--Giving you the opportunity to lead

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Frederick Becking
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Our junior enlisted corps, E-1 to E-6, make up three quarters of the military Airmen here. So what does that mean to you? Well, to quote Uncle Sam, “I want you!”

On behalf of Col. Garfield and myself, we want you to take ownership the 482nd Fighter Wing. Make it your wing, your home. Some may ask, “How do I do this?” You are being afforded the ability to revamp and lead the Airman’s Council and 5/6 Council, beginning during the October UTA.

I expect every Airman and junior NCO to be in attendance, as it will be up to you to make a difference. You, as a group, will have the ability to move forward and make positive changes, accomplish amazing things and take the World’s Greatest Fighter Wing to new heights.

According to the Airman’s Creed, you are “Faithful to a proud heritage, a tradition of honor, and a legacy of valor.”

You set and maintain the standard and keep alive what our founding fathers fought for. You, as Airmen, build character that will last a lifetime.

When you became an NCO, you swore to a charge that stated you must “encourage and motivate on and off-duty involvement in unit and base activities by leading the way.” You have that opportunity to live up to your charge and lead the way.

The 482nd FW’s unifying principles are to educate, motivate and innovate -- This should be the motto for our new 5/6 Council because you are the group that is going to mentor and guide our Airmen.
As Coach Herb Brooks said during his pre-game talk to the 1980 U.S. Hockey Team, “This is your time, now go out there and take it.”

I say to all the junior enlisted of the 482nd FW, this is your base. Take this opportunity to build a new beginning!

Here are the details of the first meeting:

When: Sunday of the October UTA, 16 October 2016
Time: 9 a.m.
Where: The Dining Facility