FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Airmen from Team Fairchild showcased how they contribute to rapid global mobility through readiness, innovation and improving quality of life to the Air Mobility Command leadership team during a visit here, March 3-4, 2021.
Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, AMC commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Brian Kruzelnick, AMC command chief, started off the visit by meeting with Airmen who lead the ONE Fairchild initiative, which aims to enhance the well-being of all personnel by taking steps to improve resilience. The ONE Fairchild committee is comprised of mental health providers, members of the Chaplain Corps., and the base’s Driving Under the Influence Task Force.
“We want to make sure that our Airmen feel connected and cared for,” said Van Ovost. “Every Airman matters, and every Airman is worth our investment of time.”
The AMC command team also made a point to meet with Airmen of all ranks and backgrounds to discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in the U.S. Air Force.
“Diversity is a warfighting imperative. We must have people who think differently get after our wicked hard problems,” said Van Ovost. “We know if we continue to think the same way, we’re going to get the same output. If we do not accelerate change and get better, we stand to lose the dominance we enjoy in Airpower. It’s not just about having diverse people in a group, it’s about having people participate, know that their voice matters, and that they will be heard by their team.”
Breaking down barriers to diversity and inclusion is an Air Force priority. Varying voices open doors for new perspectives and boosts creativity in the work force so Airmen are inspired to innovate processes and procedures that may save Airmen time and workload.
“We need people who are courageous, with warfighting mindsets and strong character. We need people who stand up when others do things that are not in line with our core values,” said Kruzelnick. “We need to be curious. Curiosity will lead to divergent thinking, and divergent thinking can change the world.”
The initiatives that the AMC command team were able to learn about first-hand are a small glimpse of what Team Fairchild is capable of through the cohesion and motivation of diverse Airmen.
“The Airmen of Fairchild are amazing,” Van Ovost said. “They are getting after the mission, and what is so exciting is that they are not only making the mission happen, they’re making it better. They are reaching out, making connections and innovating. It’s pretty exciting to watch.”
Other key stops for the visit included “The Depot” (a one-stop-shop for all things morale, i.e. USO, Airmen’s Attic, thrift shop, etc.), the 92nd Security Forces Squadron, the 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron innovation fair, the 92nd Medical Group, Fairchild’s Airman Leadership School, the 92nd Maintenance Group, and a dinner with local civic leaders vital to the Fairchild-community partnership.
“We have driven, innovative and diverse Airmen, civilians and families that make the mission happen,” said Col. Cassius Bentley, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. “We are proud to show AMC leaders how Team Fairchild and the Spokane community partners impact Global Reach every day.”