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Wing command chief holds enlisted all-call

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Samara Taylor
  • 127th Wing
Chief Master Sgt. Tony Whitehead, 127th Wing command chief, made himself visible and engaged with Airmen during an enlisted all-call meeting on Feb. 7.  He addressed the 127th Wing commitment to encourage Airman to lead, grow, perform, mentor and commit.

The purpose of the all-call was to "make sure we are all thinking along the same lines  of expectations, professional development and the future of Selfridge," Whitehead said.

Whitehead addressed the professional development of Airmen. He encouraged Wing members to "stock the tool chest then build the bench -- learn, teach and grow. He encouraged Airman to monitor their own progress, seek the resources and make sure they are doing what is necessary to be successful. He mentioned to the Airmen that promotion starts with their own initiatives.

Staff Sgt. Justin Davis, an aerospace ground equipment  specialist with the 127th Maintenance Squadron, said he was inspired by the all-call.

"I enjoyed the discussion, Davis said. "(Chief Whitehead) accurately expressed what his expectations are of the Airmen."

During the discussion, Whitehead addressed the concept of mentoring Airmen. He encouraged senior leaders to share their knowledge with the airmen they lead, provide tools and resources for success and reward exceptional performance. 

"There is no job security in information hoarding," Whitehead said.  "We need to develop our Airmen and set the expectations, so that even if the supervisor is not present, the job will still get done effectively". 

Master Sgt. Bruce Fylypiw, 127th Logistics Readiness Squadron, said he was encouraged by the discussion to lead by example.

"We as senior non-commissioned officers need to step up to mentor and set the example for our Airmen," Fylypiw said.
 
Tech. Sgt. John Holtz of the 127th Maintenance Squadron's fuel systems shop also applauded the chief's comments.

"He mentioned things that I will apply in my shop, things I can do to make the most of every drill weekend," Holtz said.

Whitehead fielded questions from the audience and concluded his talk by thanking the Airmen for their service. Whitehead encouraged Airmen to look toward the future to see what they would need to succeed and take the necessary steps. He also encouraged the Airmen to be the best Wingman we can for one another.