Commander stresses mission readiness at first commander’s call

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shawn J. Jones
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The new commander of the 514th Air Mobility Wing held his first commander's call at the Timmerman Center here March 7, 2010.

Colonel Giordano McMullen, who assumed command Feb. 21, described his vision, goals and leadership model to approximately 500 Reserve Airmen.

The commander's leadership model centers on the idea that effective mission readiness can be achieved by adhering to high standards regarding safety, training and policy compliance.

"As warfighters, it is the commander's responsibility to ensure that everyone is mission ready," he said.

For the wing to become a readiness leader within the 22nd Air Force and Air Force Reserve Command, he said Airmen must take action to complete their individual medical and training requirements before they become overdue.

"I'm confident we can do that in a relatively quick fashion if everyone pulls together and takes individual responsibility," he said.

One senior noncommissioned officer said he appreciates the commander's message on individual responsibility. Master Sgt. Anthony Tomchak, 514th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, said that as long as unit leaders and supervisors continue to provide the appropriate tools and mentorship, Airmen are obliged to ensure their records and affairs are in order and up to date.

Colonel McMullen also described several other goals for the wing.

He said he will enforce a robust safety program and strive to eliminate accidents. As part of that program, the wing safety office plans to film regular videos on general safety topics and will continue to operate their Model Safety Program Initiative, an automated database that increases the speed and ease of safety program communication and oversight.

Performing well during inspections is another goal. Colonel McMullen expects the wing's Airmen to exceed standards in all inspections, including the February 2011 aircrew standardization and evaluation inspection and the March 2011 unit compliance inspection.

Additionally, Colonel McMullen wants to continue the development of the 514th AMW's Human Resource Development Council, a program which focuses on the development of Airmen through diversity awareness, mentoring and community outreach efforts. Though the wing's program was recognized in 2009 for being the best in the 22nd Air Force, the commander would like it to grow into a benchmark for all of AFRC.

Furthermore, Colonel McMullen hopes to ignite enthusiasm and esprit de corps within the wing and inspire greater camaraderie and communication between the wing and the joint base's other units.

Achieving these goals begins with the Air Force Core Values and continues with three P's - pride, professionalism and performance. He said Airmen should take pride in what they do, do it in the most professional way, and perform to the best of their ability.

Editor's Note: The commander will reiterate his messages during a second commander's call March 20 for Reservists who were not on duty during the first.