Leadership in the military often finds individuals at its helm who might not have initially sought or anticipated such roles. However, when the opportunity to lead arises, embracing it wholeheartedly can be profoundly impactful. Within the military context, one of the most significant contributions a leader can make, both to individuals and the Air Force as a whole, is to nurture the potential and aspirations of each Airman under their charge. Throughout my 19 years of service, I’ve observed numerous effective leaders, and a common thread consistently emerges: the best leaders prioritize taking care of their people. They inherently understand that when Airmen feel genuinely cared for and supported to the best of a leader’s ability, they, in turn, will dedicate themselves to the mission with unwavering commitment and excellence.
My own career trajectory serves as a testament to the transformative power of supportive leadership. Early in my military service, much like many medical and dental officers, my initial plan was to serve for a few years before transitioning to private practice. I harbored ambitions for specialized training in oral surgery, but the demanding nature of the residency and its potential impact on my family led me to reconsider and lean towards separation.
However, a pivotal moment occurred during my exit interview with my then squadron commander. This leader took the time to mentor me, offering perspectives on my future that I hadn’t previously considered. Our conversation delved into my professional goals, and he encouraged me to explore specialty training opportunities within the Air Force before making a final decision to leave. Acting on his advice, I consulted with the orthodontic residency program, and I was impressed by the comprehensive support and opportunities the Air Force offered for both my professional growth and my family’s well-being. After discussing this new possibility with my wife, and with her support, I withdrew my separation paperwork and applied for the orthodontic residency. We both understood the uncertainty of acceptance, but the door to separation remained open if needed.
Looking back fourteen years later, my family and I are immensely grateful for the guidance and care shown to me at that crucial juncture. My professional aspirations were realized within the Air Force, and I am convinced that this would not have been possible without a leader who genuinely cared about my future.
Now, in a leadership position myself, I am deeply committed to taking care of my Airmen and helping them achieve their own goals. I often reflect on the words of my former squadron commander that guided me, and I strive to emulate his example. Recently, I had the privilege of mentoring and sponsoring a general dentist under my command at Luke Air Force Base. Through dedicated effort and guidance, this Airman has been selected for the highly competitive oral-maxillofacial surgery specialty program for 2014, realizing a significant professional goal.
It is profoundly rewarding to contribute to the professional journeys of our Airmen. In my initial interviews with each Airman, I make it a point to discuss their aspirations and how we can work together to take the necessary steps towards achieving them. Ultimately, their career path is their own, and their dedication and effort are paramount, whether it’s pursuing promotions, furthering their education, or any other personal or professional milestone. The Air Force provides a wealth of opportunities, and with the right mindset and work ethic, these goals are attainable.
A truly effective leader will exhaust all possible avenues to Take Care of their Airmen’s futures. In the long run, this investment in their people yields significant returns, as these supported and valued Airmen will, in turn, be fully committed to taking care of the mission, and ultimately, taking care of their leadership and the organization as a whole.
