Commander's Call: Leadership, communication critical to infusing inspection culture into 10th ABW, says Col. Hawkins

  • Published
  • By Ray Bowden
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Aligning the 10 ABW with the Superintendent's goals and priorities was the focus of the commander's call hosted by Col. Stacey Hawkins, the 10th Air Base Wing commander, at the Falcon Club March 13.

Hawkins told the crowd of total force Airmen that this April's Unit Effectiveness Inspection capstone event will provide each person an opportunity to tell the story of how he or she supports the Air Force Academy mission. 

The capstone event will focus on four major graded areas: executing the mission, managing resources, improving the unit and leading people, Hawkins said.

"Over the next few weeks, we'll continue to infuse the Air Force Inspection System culture into our organization -- a culture of detecting noncompliance and seeking ways to continuously improve our mission operations and lead our people towards building a climate of respect and world-class professionalism," he said.    

IG inspections assess the Air Force's readiness and efficiency. 

Hawkins said the inspection has great implications for the 10th ABW.

"We're a force-multiplier for the Air Force because of the outstanding support every 10th ABW team member provides the Air Force Academy in fulfilling its mission of developing leaders of character," he said. "We continue to aspire towards being an example of a world-class wing so when cadets get to their first assignment as new lieutenants they'll already understand how a wing can and should work."

Hawkins also said leadership at all levels cannot be undervalued when it comes to preparing for a major installation inspection.

"Regardless of their rank or position, everyone should strive to model the highest levels of professionalism each day," he said. "We need to continually assess how well we develop and prepare our people to assume increasing levels of responsibility within a dynamically changing mission environment. All 10th ABW leaders are accountable for enforcing professional standards as well as providing the best possible installation support and customer service - that's our focus."

Hawkins said while the ongoing government sequestration has posed some level of challenge for the wing, the cutbacks have given 10th ABW Airmen a prime opportunity to learn how to best use and apply the wing's available resources.

"It's a learning opportunity for all of us during sequestration to find ways to become more efficient and to discover innovative ways to meet the Superintendent's intent," he said.

Hawkins told the audience the event was mostly likely his last official commander's call here. He's slated to depart for Scott Air Force Base, Ill., in May, where he will serve as the director of logistics for Air Mobility Command.

Recognition

Several 10th ABW Total Force Airmen were recognized at the commander's call by Hawkins with a commander's coin for their career development achievements, the services they provide to Academy families and cadets and their work in preparing for the 10th ABW Annual Awards Ceremony, held Jan. 30. 

Brandon Eubanks and Airman 1st Class Ronnie Nunes of the 10th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department scored 95 percent on their Career Development Courses.

Tenth Force Support Squadron employees Chuck Alfultis, Bill Coble, Carrie Grovers and Jill Stevens were coined for their marketing efforts for SnoFest in January and other Academy events. Tom Jones, a food service supervisor at the Cadet Wing, also received a commander's coin.

Airman 1st Class Anthony Isadore and Master Sgt.'s Gary Larsen, Casey Muccio and Dawn Nettles, were recognized for their efforts in preparing for the awards ceremony.