 |
| News > Commentary - Committed to excellence |
|
|
| |
| Photos | |
 |
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Col. Joel Westa is the 5th Bomb Wing commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sharida Bishop)
|
Download HiRes
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Committed to excellence
Posted 6/4/2008 Updated 6/4/2008
Email story
Print story
Commentary by Col. Joel Westa
5th Bomb Wing commander
6/4/2008 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Based on my reading of past reports, the 5th BW Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and the 5BW Command Post had a rough time of it during some inspections a couple of years back. In the most recent Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection, both of these units performed in an outstanding manner.. EOD inspectors commented with words like "flawless" and the Command Post was rated "Best in ACC" based on their evaluations. Many other organizations from both Wings on Minot were rated excellent or outstanding during the recent inspection, but I am highlighting these two for a reason. Something happened to turn these two units around.
First, the units accepted the critique and did not seek to rationalize the failures in accomplishing their mission. As we know, inspections are designed to identify not only areas that are performing well, but to also determine areas in need of improvement. It is an unbiased look to identify where work needs to be done as well as areas that are performing in a manner that would benefit the entire command when their practices are shared. It is about assessment and improvement. These two units took that to heart and determined to make a change.
Secondly, in each organization leaders took charge, and committed to make a difference--to vow that they will not be found lacking again. That's easy to say, but harder to accomplish. After a thorough assessment, changes were made to training programs, findings were addressed and the culture of "good enough" was attacked and replaced with an attitude of "nothing but the best will do".
We retired SMSgt Kevin Johnson the other day--his legacy will forever be written in 5BW EOD. He is a model SNCO who was committed to making a change and providing the very best in training and leadership to his Airmen. The results are evident today. His fingerprints are all over the success story in EOD. Lt Col Darren Wilson is preparing to PCS shortly, and he is responsible for the success not only in the Command Post, but with Aircrew testing as well. His leadership through tough times and commitment to excellence is bearing fruit today, and he leaves behind the best Command Post in ACC.
Who you are is determined by how you respond to adversity, and I am pleased that Minot AFB showed our character in this recent inspection and will continue to press forward as we continue to improve in all areas! Well done to you all, and thank you for your professional attitude as we move ahead and continue to improve.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
