By A1C Christopher Gere

Air Force Public Affairs Agency

For brand new officers, it is customary to offer a silver dollar to the first troop to render them a salute. SSgt Tluczek’s was no different, unless you take into account, the individual rendering her first salute is her husband and he’s doing it 8,000 miles away via Skype. Watch the exchange take place and read more about it here. 

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By Airman 1st Class Christopher Gere
Air Force Public Affairs Agency

It’s never good news when you need firefighters to show up, but it always feels good when you see them. Start your weekend off by looking back with the Air Force Week in Photos.

Photo: U.S. Air Force firefighters from the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron practice fire suppression tactics in a live-fire training building Feb. 3, 2012, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. The firefighters regularly perform drills to stay proficient. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Perry Aston)

By Master Sgt. Brian McFarland
92nd Medical Group

In the first few years of my Air Force career and more recently over my four-month tenure as an interim first sergeant, I’ve become increasingly familiar with a negative connotation associated with the position of the first sergeant.

More often than not, when I ask the question: “What’s the first thing you think of when you think of a first sergeant?” The responses I’ve received include, “trouble, discipline, problems, standards, and Article 15s.” The majority of these responses come from, but are not limited to first term Airman with less than one year on station.

If you were to reference AFI 36-2113, The First Sergeant, it’s there in black and white ink. Words like “disciplinary actions, standards and authority.” While all of these attributes are vital to the force and serve a very necessary purpose in each and every unit, squadron and group across the Air Force, that’s not all a first sergeant is about. A first sergeant is a priceless asset to the men and women in the unit he/she is assigned to.

According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, “asset” is defined as “a useful or valuable quality, person, or thing; an advantage or resource.” Every piece of Merriam-Webster’s definition of an asset correlates to an Air Force first sergeant and what they are to the Airmen, NCOs, senior NCOs and officers assigned to their respective unit. The unfortunate truth about the successes had by first sergeants is that nine out of 10 times, they occur behind closed doors and stay between the member requiring some level of assistance, their immediate supervisor and the “shirt.”

You may hear about the trouble going on in the squadron and the discipline as a result of it, or you may see the “shirt” correcting a dress and appearance issue on the spot, and you might know that if an active duty member goes to jail, it’s the first sergeant that gets the call and facilitates the member’s release. At first glance, the aforementioned examples seem to have negative connotations behind them. If you were to look a little deeper and “peel back the onion” on these situations, the positive effect of the first sergeant’s actions will be staring you square in the face.

So, when the first sergeant discussion takes place with a first term Airman, whom for the most part, has a blank active duty canvas eagerly waiting to be painted with positive Air Force images and memories, my challenge to you all is to mention the good in the same breath you mention the bad.

First sergeants work 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week for the members of their respective unit and should the phone ring at three in the morning on a Saturday, your “shirt” will answer, wipe the sleep out of his/her eyes, and provide you with whatever level of assistance you need to facilitate a positive outcome.

Take care of the mission first, take care of each other to build trust and an unbeatable team and take care of yourself with a personal commitment to be the best.

By Chief Master Sgt. Gregory Warren
62nd Airlift Wing command chief

The phrase “servant leader” was brought into the mainstream back in 1970 in an essay published by Mr. Robert Greenleaf. In this writing, he defines a servant-leader as someone who “is a servant first.” Servant leadership isn’t about positions and titles. Instead, it is an attitude that says people and relationships are important, valuable and essential to mission success.

What does it mean to me? It’s very simple. Putting the needs of your fellow Airmen first. Is this convenient? No. Is it rewarding? Absolutely! There is nothing more satisfying than to see someone you’ve worked with succeed. That is what personally drives me in the capacity I serve.

We often talk about getting to know one another and being good Wingmen to each other. For those in supervisory positions, we emphasize getting eyeball-to-eyeball with your Airmen, daily if possible, to identify when something might not be quite right with them.

For the servant-leader this isn’t a chore, it is an imperative embedded in their DNA; they genuinely care about others and know that mission success absolutely depends on individual successes of those around them.

In my opinion, some great examples of servant-leaders throughout history may be Jesus, Ghandi, Mother Theresa and Martin Luther King Jr. These leaders absolutely put the needs of others before their own and, because of it, are considered some of the greatest, most beloved leaders to have ever lived.

An unknown author once said, “A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader, a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.”

John C. Maxwell, famous leadership mentor and pastor said this, “True leadership must be for the benefit of the followers, not to enrich the leader.”

These two quotes are at the heart of servant-leadership and define your leaders here on McChord Field.

In closing, I’ll say that leadership to me isn’t about the number of stripes on your sleeve or the shape or color of the rank on your shoulders; it is about serving others. No matter what capacity you serve in. I believe that success isn’t defined by how much you personally achieve but on how much those you influence achieve. Does this define you as a leader?

Photo: Chief Master Sgt. Gregory Warren is the 62nd Airlift Wing command chief at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

 By A1C Westin Warburton

As this week comes to an end, take some time to check out this Week in Photos. Also, Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, so don’t forget about that special someone!

Photo: U.S. Air force Capt. Thor Boland, Mike Broderick and Brandon Lavalley return from the Nevada Test and Training Range on day three of Red Flag 12-2, Jan. 25, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The pilots are assigned to the 4th Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. (U.S. Air Force photo by  Master Sgt. Benjamin Bloker)

 By Senior Airman Ulla Stromberg
99th Inpatient Operations Squadron aerospace medical technician

Being from Manhattan, Kan., an individual isn’t exposed to too terribly much. Cuisine was only as worldly as the Chinese/American buffet and entertainment rested in a dive bar or bowling alley. The one thing about this community, however, was the people. Being home to the students of Kansas State University and a great many of our soldiers from Fort Riley, the majority of the population’s faces were constantly changing. Human interaction and the life experiences heard from those soldiers and students broadened our worldly horizons.

As I grew older, I was more informed and cognizant of the purpose of the military member. I loved hearing their stories and began to notice how those realities behind the tale developed their admirable character. I would watch those uniformed men and women at the local grocery store who always maintained an unwavering sense of purpose and seemed slightly more considerate of their loved ones who were with them. My eyes were opened when I realized this consideration came from the thought that the moment I had observed may have been due to this family seeing each other for one of the first or last times in the midst of a seemingly endless deployment season. I admired their sacrifice, their selflessness. To me, the uniform stood for a great many things. I hadn’t the foggiest idea what in the world occupational badges or rank insignias stood for. I just knew as an outsider looking in that the uniform stood for sacrifice. Sacrifice brought discipline and discipline brought pride and purpose. I enlisted in the United States Air Force at the earliest opportunity.

Because we are human, it is easy to fall into routine, to become complacent. However, one must always remember how they felt upon graduation from basic military training (BMT) when they received their Airman’s Coin. BMT pushes you, it brings you to hell and back but what emerges is a polished and refined individual who now sees the color of the flag in a brighter shade of red, white and blue. My advice is to always remember that moment, that character transition, and to remember that “The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you.” You traded a day of your life to come into work and put on that uniform. Make it count. If you remember these things, with the aid of your wingmen and leadership, ANYTHING is attainable.

Quote by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1944, D-Day.

Photo:U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ulla Stromberg, a 99th Inpatient Operations Squadron aerospace medical technician, takes the blood pressure of Airman 1st Class Matthew Lancaster, a 99th Air Base Wing photographer, April 4, 2011, at Mike O’Callaghan Federal Hospital at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Stromberg was recently named one of the Air Forces’ 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year. The Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon is awarded to 12 enlisted Airmen who display superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements throughout the year. Air Force Association officials will honor the 12 recipients September 2011 during the Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Rubi)

By Airman 1st Class Krystal Tomlin
U.S. Air Force Public Affairs

With a wing span a great as four F-16s the C-130 is a massive aircraft. To see such a huge piece of equipment take-off is a mesmerizing site. In this photo the Hercules soars above the cloud deck followed by the smoke of flares swirling in a frenzy of displaced air.

This photo says “The sky is the limit and the U.S. Air Force goes beyond that.” Whether we’re bringing troops and supplies into a hostile area or aid to a disaster torn nation, the Air Force gets the job done.

Jump on over to our Flickr site to see more examples of awesome airpower in our most recent Air Force Week in Photos set.

Photo: A U.S. Air Force C-130J Hercules cargo aircraft from the 146th Airlift Wing, California Air National Guard, conducts flare training off the Ventura County coast Jan. 10, 2012. The flares are used as tactical infrared countermeasures to confuse and redirect heat-seeking missiles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dave Buttner)

Airman 1st Class Christopher Gere

Air Force Public Affairs Agency

This edition of the Air Force Week in Photos features Airmen taking to the skies and getting down in the mud. Let us know your favorites. View the entire set here.

Photo: U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft assigned to MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., prepare for launch as part of an “Elephant Walk” on Jan. 20, 2012. The “Elephant Walk” is a historic, uniquely Air Force term that describes the nose-to-tail, single-file taxi movements of the aircraft synonymous with the nose-to-tail trail of lumbering elephants. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Tanika Belfield)

By Brig. Gen. Joseph S. Ward Jr.
Commandant, Joint Forces Staff College

I often heard him refer to himself as “Airman Ordinary.” He did not feel special. He did not feel privileged. He was simply proud to serve. “Airman Ordinary” is anything but ordinary. He just completed more than 46 years of active duty service–the longest serving Airman ever, in our great Air Force history. He is a man that stands alone among Air Force giants. No one has ever served longer and perhaps no one ever will.

It was a rainy day in Washington DC on the morning of 16 Nov 2011. Traffic was particularly slow due to the slick road conditions and less than optimal visibility as my wife and I made our way to Bolling Air Force Base. Upon entering the Officers’ Club, one could feel the excitement. The atmosphere was alive with anticipation–this was not going to be an “ordinary” retirement ceremony.

Old friends were greeting one another. It was an Air Force family reunion of sorts. There were more “stars” in the room than one could possibly count. It was a day of historic proportions. It was a day to honor and recognize Major General Al Flowers for his extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to our Nation.

There was a special moment as we watched closely the passing of the flag–a long line of Airmen from the rank of Airman Basic all the way up to the rank of Major General. It looked like links of a chain joining all ranks in perfect unison. It represented teamwork in harmony as the flag slowly made its way forward. The last in line was General Flowers’s son, Lt. Col. Al Flowers, Jr., who ultimately rendered honors to his father. The Secretary of the Air Force resided as the officiator of the ceremony and was visibly emotional throughout holding back tears as he delivered his remarks. To be sure, Al Flowers is truly an American hero.

In the beginning

I first met General Flowers when he was a Major and I had just pinned on Captain. Our career paths continued to intertwine in the following 20 plus years, twice I had the distinct honor to have served for him at the Pentagon as my director supervisor.

So what can we learn from this remarkable Airman? What can we take from his sterling example as a servant leader to help make our Air Force even stronger?

Having spent some 13 years serving in the enlisted ranks gave General Flowers a deep and sincere appreciation for the enlisted force. He understood that they are the backbone of our armed forces. In every decision he made, he thought first and foremost on the potential impact to our enlisted corps.

Not only did he think of the enlisted in all of his decisions, he also took great care of his fellow Airmen. He lived the Air Force wingman concept.

I recall an event some 12 years ago when I needed to “pull an all-nighter” at the Pentagon. I was responsible for putting together the slide deck for a budget briefing to be given first thing the next morning and the briefing contained 30 primary slides with an additional 300 backup slides.

Leaving the 2-star’s office at around 1700 hours, then Colonel Flowers asked me if I would be able to accomplish the task prior to tomorrow’s meeting. I told the Colonel I would get it done but he needed to let me work without interruption. I had another officer to assist and we both went at the task with a sense of urgency.

Finally around 2100 hours, Colonel Flowers departed the office. It was soon midnight, and we heard someone at the door, it was Colonel Flowers still in uniform with two large bags filled with Kentucky Fried Chicken and all the “fixings.” It was the best chicken dinner I’ve ever eaten. Colonel Flowers stayed with us through the entire night…keeping the coffee pot filled and providing words of encouragement. General Flowers lived by the rule that “officers eat last.” He always took great care of others. By all measures, he was the consummate wingman. He embodies the true essence of servant leadership–it is part of his core.

In every speech I have heard him deliver, he always made it a point to give thanks. He is a man of faith–his strong belief in religion served as his foundation and his guiding light in all he did. His faith kept him on the right path as he has marched his way into the Air Force hall of fame.

He always emphasized the importance of developing and maintaining a positive mental attitude. It has often been said, “Attitudes cannot be taught but they can be caught.” General Flowers believes that a positive attitude is a force multiplier.

We don’t work in isolation; we are all part of a team. Each member of the team affects those around him and it is far better to be in the company of those whom are positive and upbeat. General Flowers always views the glass as half full.

This past year he was hampered by an ailing hip that required replacement. He will tell you that 35 years of playing basketball finally caught up with him. And for those of you who have worked in the Pentagon, you know the challenges of getting from one place to another. For those whom have not worked in the Pentagon, there are 17 miles of corridors and thousands of stairs.

General Flowers was visibly uncomfortable as he made his way back and forth to meetings throughout his busy schedule but I never once saw him have a “bad day.” He had some of the most demanding positions in the Department of Defense yet his attitude remained positive–he focused on his blessings. He loved to serve in our great Air Force and he made everyone around him feel good about the contributions they were making. He also had an unsurpassed work ethic.

Keys to Success

He has been asked repeatedly, “What is the secret to having been so successful for such a long period?” He always gave the same answer. “The secret to becoming the longest serving Airman is quite simple. The magic formula has two ingredients…begin early and stay late.” He combines country wit and humor with time-tested wisdom. He mentors many and always stresses the importance of performance as the ultimate key to success.

Entering the Air Force at age 17 and departing active duty at 63 years of age is certainly beginning early and staying late. Each and every day of active duty service, General Flowers began his day around 0400 to catch up on email and he would be at the office by 0600 to begin his duty hours. He normally departed by 1800 to encourage others to get home to their families but he continued to correspond well into the late hours. Along the way, he blazed new trails for the Financial Management career field.

He was the first Airman outside of the Special Operations community to hold the position of the Director of Resources and Planning for SOCOM. He was also the very first financial management Airman to serve as a Numbered Air Force Commander, a job he relished and was well suited for.

As the 2nd Air Force Commander, he was in charge of the thousands of newly accessed Airmen and most who were in some stage of training and education.

His office had a museum aura…filled with memorabilia from his 46 years of service. I once asked him what he valued the most. He quickly picked out two items and said anyone would be welcome to take the rest. The two items included a Technical Instructor hat encased in glass that was presented to him by the Lackland BMT community. The other item was a photo of him taking the first salute on the parade field at Lackland upon assuming command. It is a place he reveres. He will soon call San Antonio “home” as he transitions to retirement. It is the home of that sacred parade field where he began his march–it is the home to our heroes of the past and it’s the gateway for our future heroes to take the oath and begin their Air Force journey.

One of our Air Force core values is “service before self.” I cannot think of a better example to emulate. He surpassed the 40-year mark some six years ago. He could have retired at 100 percent of his basic pay in 2005. Instead, he continued on. For the past six years, he could have received more in his checkbook as a retiree than as an active duty Airman. He opted to take on incredibly demanding positions that required household moves during the past 3 holiday seasons. In total, he moved his family and household goods 28 times over the past 4 plus decades–that may be yet another record never to be matched.

He will tell you, it is not about you and me. He will tell you it is about those we have helped along the way–those we have mentored, those we have helped prepare to succeed us. He has helped bring out the very best in so many. He has encouraged countless legions of Airmen to do their best and to continue enjoying the ride.

I recall a meeting I had with him in 1999. I had just completed a tour as a squadron commander and then transitioned to the Pentagon. For me, it was like going from “hero to zero.” I struggled with my new role in sharing a cubicle with a Captain making PowerPoint slides day in and day out. My attitude was on the decline and I was tempted to take the 15-year retirement being offered at the time. Fortunately, General Flowers intervened and encouraged me to press on and finish the race. He thought I mattered…when it mattered and I am forever grateful for his mentorship and friendship.

There is an underlying theme worthy of mention in this fitting tribute to Airman Ordinary. The American dream is alive and achievable. Not all begin their respective military journeys with equal advantages. The military starting point does not discriminate–all begin the race on the same footing, all compete for promotion without prejudice. Everyone has a fair chance to climb the military pyramid of success and many start from humble beginnings. Some from having worked the tobacco fields of rural North Carolina. From harvesting tobacco for 25 cents a day to becoming a 2-star General in the world’s premiere Air and Space power–General Flowers’ story is a testament to what makes the American experience so very special. It has often rewarded so many in past and present generations who arrive early to work and leave late. Hard work and a positive attitude will continue to pay dividends to future generations.

I fear that he will solely be remembered for having been the longest serving Airman–it will be well documented in our professional military education material. But we must not focus just on his longevity record. Records are meant to be broken. Those of us that served with him must keep the spirit alive; we must continue to tell his story as he passes the torch. His simple and straight forward blue print for success is something we can all learn from: a strong work ethic coupled with an earnest desire towards self-improvement and a genuine concern for others while maintaining a positive attitude will yield great results! We must follow his lead in helping others reach their potential and thus bringing our Air Force to even greater heights of excellence. The positive difference he made in the lives of those who served with him are his legacy and his legacy will live on.

(Brig. Gen. Joseph S. Ward Jr. is the Commandant, Joint Forces Staff College,
National Defense University, Norfolk, Va.)

This Air Force Week in Photos features Airmen doing what they do best: working and playing hard.

Which is your favorite?

Photo: U.S. Air Force Senior Airman John Caruthers, a member of the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa rugby team, is tackled by members of French Forces Djibouti during a friendly match in Djibouti, Djibouti, Jan. 12, 2012. The CJTF-HOA squad was a combination of U.S. and British service members and was playing in their first-ever match as a team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Steffen)