Roll Call: Keeping Airmen in the know

  • Published
  • By Col. Scott Hanson
  • 92nd ARW commander
The Air Force initiated the Roll Call program late last year to encourage and enhance communication between supervisors and Airmen. Information flows incredibly fast these days and it seems electronics have often replaced face-to-face communication. 

While we have good information sources on e-mail and various Air Force Web sites - including our own - staying on top of key Air Force issues is tough in this era of multimedia information. It is vital our Airmen are up to speed on the latest Air Force topics. 

Enter Roll Call. Headquarters Air Force provides a one-page print product every two weeks covering a topic designed to help first-line supervisors explain and focus key Air Force issues to Airmen during weekly meetings. 

According to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the three Roll Call Program goals are to keep Airmen informed on current issues, clear up confusion and dispel rumors, and provide additional face-to-face communication between supervisors and their teams. I have asked Fairchild commanders to ensure all supervisors are using this product in their Roll Calls. 

Recognizing Airmen
In the spirit of last week's Roll Call, Recognizing Airmen, I want to review one of our wing objectives: Recognizing Airmen to Build a Culture of Excellence. 

Recognition is important, in that it helps instill pride and job satisfaction to Airmen recognized for outstanding work. It also helps in career progression, advancement and ultimately promotion. A key component is ensuring Airmen receive prompt, appropriate recognition for significant mission contributions. 

For example, the last two months, the 2006 Air Mobility Command awards have come pouring in to Airmen across the wing. To name just a few, from the 92nd Mission Support Group, 1st Lt. Elizabeth Walker was named AMC Outstanding Personnel Manager of the Year, while the 92nd Medical Group's Maj. Brenda Talley was named AMC Health Care Integrator of the Year. 

Staff Sgt. Jennifer Haberman, 92nd Maintenance Group, earned the AMC Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez Award as the outstanding munitions maintenance technician supervisor. 

Meanwhile the 92nd Operations Group had an outstanding year, refueling more than 10,000 receivers and offloading over 20 million gallons of gas. Further, Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander, recently recognized Capt. Steve Priddy, 92nd Air Refueling Squadron, Maj. Stephen Preston 93rd ARS, and Lt. Col. Glenn LeMasters, 93rd ARS commander, for their contributions while deployed. 

I salute these award-winning Airmen and all other Team Fairchild top performers recognized for AMC awards. Best of luck to you competing at the Air Force level. Recognition, however, doesn't have to come from higher headquarters. Recognition is the staple of effective leadership -- and something all supervisors should have in their "tool kits." 

The foundation of successful teamwork revolves around providing timely feedback and recognition for the service and sacrifices of our Airmen. It can be as informal as a simple pat on the back and "thank you" or as elaborate as a major-command award nomination. 

I urge all Airmen to continue recognizing the best America's Air Force offers. 

Leaders engaging Airmen