Parting words: A small few can make a big difference

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Wayne Mosely
  • 92nd Comptroller Squadron commander
When the time came for me to write what would be my final article I thought long and hard about what I wanted to say. I pondered about giving words of wisdom or leaving you with some profound statement to invoke spontaneous deep thinking or perhaps even provide a theoretical perspective on why I joined the Air Force. But that is not who I really am. So instead I chose to expound on my time while in command.

Jack Welsh, CEO of General Electric said, "Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others."

This was the primary focus of my nearly two years as the 92nd Comptroller Squadron commander. Each day was filled with many challenging and worthwhile experiences.

It seems like just yesterday that I walked into the office and had to deal with a critical funding crisis or a variety of personnel concerns that required my attention. Oh actually, that was just yesterday!

On a serious note, the time spent in command has been the most rewarding in my career as I have seen my squadron members grow leaps and bounds both personally and professionally. It was an absolute honor working alongside them on the financial front lines and watching them come to the realization that a small few can make a big difference.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated, "There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right".

During my time in command I often reflected on his words as I strived, no matter how uncomfortable the situation may have been, to ensure my actions were always aligned with the Air Force Core values.

Arnold H. Glasow once said, "A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit." Therefore, I would be remiss if I only mentioned what I provided and not what I gained. I learned to continue to strive for improvement and never give up regardless of the circumstance. Which I was subtly reminded of by the Airmen who passed me on the track or pointed out my unique taste in music and dressing style.

The daily interaction with squadron members also afforded me the opportunity to recognize both positive and negative aspects of my leadership style and as a result made me a better counselor, mentor, evaluator and leader. For that I am eternally grateful.

So as I prepare to PCS to MacDill Air Force Base in the next few months I just want to say that this is not a sorrowful or mushy goodbye article. I don't do mushy. Instead this is an invitation to look me up if in you are ever in sunny Tampa. I'll be there giving them heck in my usual charming way. Don't forget, No Money! No Mission!