'Commitment is greater than us': says Academy Supt.

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Hammes
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson addressed the classes of 2015 and 2016 in Arnold Hall Jan. 5.

General Johnson spoke about the importance of creating a culture of commitment and a climate of respect, both within the Academy and in the permanent party world.

"Commitment to something greater than us and respect for each other is a big deal," she said. "It's respecting each other's faith systems; it's respecting each other's persons. This is about leadership, trust and accountability."

She said the lessons cadets learn as they move upward in the Academy shouldn't be stored away to use when they are higher ranking, but immediately put into practice.

"The Air Force and our country are more important than me," General Johnson said. "The Academy is more important than me. I think all of you are more important than me. And I didn't start believing that yesterday - I started 37 years ago."

General Johnson also said the juniors and seniors have a responsibility to be role models for the younger classmen.

"I expect you to model behavior and lead the wing," she said. "It's not all about physical heroism. That's not even the hard part. It's easier to face down a bullet than it is to look someone in the eye and tell them they're wrong."

Cadet 1st Class Angela Johnson said that kind of thinking is what makes Superintendent's Calls valuable.

"I value critical thinking, I value thinking outside of the box," she said. "That's something I think I brought to this Academy, and I really appreciate that General Johnson values it as well."