Message from the Command Chief

OTIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mass. -- It is hard to believe that a year has gone by since I last wrote in the Seagull.  During my first year as your Command Chief, I've had the honor to speak with some of our enlisted Airmen, Non-commissioned Officers, and junior Officers to find out their goals, future career plans, and their strategy for being successful military members.  It has also been a time for me to view our wing, reflect on our outstanding reputation, and to watch our Airman grow and develop into our future leaders.  I've seen our members utilizing their amazing talents and skills to support our missions and sustain operations, day-in and day-out, keeping the 102nd legacy alive and well. 

So how have we, here at the 102nd, continued to receive the distinguished "Outstanding Unit Award" so many times over the years?  It is a very competitive process, one which only awards those units that show continual dedication to fulfill its commitment to the missions and the defense of America.   How have our past and present Airman and leaders achieved these accolades?   I feel it is because we "owned it." That is what I will be writing about in this article, Ownership. 

"Owning it" is what we do here at the 102nd. It is how we stay ahead of our counterparts; it's how we achieve our missions.  Without this ownership we would be just an ordinary unit, not an "outstanding" one.

How do you own it?   Like many before you did, you need to take responsibility for it, whether it be your ancillary training, professional military education, promotion eligibility,  Career Development Courses,  Community College of the Air Force degree, physical fitness,  future-career choices, or your attitude. It's easy to procrastinate, so lean forward, not back. Play an active role in your career, it's yours. Complete "x, y, z" and become eligible for that next step, don't "self-eliminate" for positions or promotions. Take positive ownership of what you have control over, don't play the blame game or make excuses, own it!  

We all need to take an active ownership role in our careers, militarily and at home, now and in the future.  If you are unsure of your ownership roles and responsibilities, or what career steps to take next, ask your Supervisor, First Sergeant, or Chief to assist you.   We are all in this wing to support and help each other succeed, that's what makes us an outstanding unit. So, let's all own it, together! 

Have a wonderful Holiday Season with your friends and family. 

Thank you for all you do.