Commentary

U.S. Army General George S. Patton said, “Don’t tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.”

The COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE gives all Airmen, retirees, families and community members a direct link to Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, 86th Airlift Wing commander. The Action Line can be used to express constructive points of view on the policies and procedures of the base; discuss safety and security issues; and address problems, concerns or suggestions after traditional methods have been exhausted.

This year marks the Air Force’s 68th birthday, and I wanted to send out greetings and a hearty thank you to all U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Airmen for your successes over the past year; it’s been an incredibly busy time!

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany — Service in the Air Force today means different things for different people. Depending on your unique circumstances, such as family dynamics, job or upbringing, how you navigate through those dynamics can have a significant impact on your time serving and significantly help you prepare for the day when you will no longer wear the uniform, whether that’s after four years or 30 years.

I recently achieved one of my lifelong career goals. As a flight nurse evaluator, I was afforded the rare opportunity to compete for the Army’s Expert Field Medical Badge. Medical personnel consider the EFMB one of the most difficult and prestigious skill badges a military medical technician can earn.

Are we creating a culture of “team” or one of “individuals”? As leaders, we are expected to develop effective, efficient teams and merge the talents of our subordinates. However, it’s easy to shift our focus toward individual recognition, and it has the potential to come at the expense of team success.

It’s great to be back at Ramstein! As a prior Commander of the 86th Operations Group and Deputy Commander of the 603rd Air and Space Operations Center 2006-2009, I absolutely enjoyed the people, the mission and the privilege of living and working here at Ramstein Air Base.