FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- They can often be seen around the base together and are frequently providing leadership and guidance to their 2,800+ active duty military, but have they have different responsibilities with the same goals in mind. They are the 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander and vice commander.

"We are 'Fame's Favored Few,'" said Col. Brian Newberry, the 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander.

As leaders, wingmen and warriors in today's Air Force, commanders are responsible for executing the mission, leading people, managing resources and developing programs and initiatives designed to improve the unit. They have the lawful authority and responsibility to promote and safeguard the morale, physical well-being and general welfare of all service members, civilians and family members under their command.

Newberry explained that it's the commander's responsibility is to lead the wing to new heights by focusing on the people, the mission and the facilities that support both the mission and the people.

"The best part of my job is giving Airmen the tools they need to see them succeed," Newberry said. "It's also important to make sure we're seeing what our opportunities are and seeing what our challenges are and making sure we exploit those opportunities and mitigate the challenges."

Ultimately, as a commander, he is responsible for the wing. On the other hand, the vice commander is there to help the wing do better than it could by being a good wingman not just to the commander, but to everybody else on base, Newberry said.

Both the commander and vice commander share the same vision for the wing to reach new heights and the responsibility to ensure their wing never fails.

"We work side by side, but we also have certain responsibilities that we are individually responsible for," Newberry said. "For me, the primary difference between the two roles is that the final responsibility always rests with the person who is the commander."

According to AFI 36-7001, Diversity, the wing vice commander may be designated as the responsible official to act for the wing commander or commander of the Air Force element. This individual will identify, determine and be directly engaged in and be accountable for Air Force diversity initiatives carried out at the wing or joint organization.

The vice commander serves as second in command and must be prepared to take the lead anytime the commander becomes unavailable.

"Day to day, I am here to make sure the boss is prepared and able to focus on the important things for the wing, Airmen and their families," said Col. Brian Hill, the 92nd ARW vice commander. "It's great to be in a position that provides advice to the boss which allows him to make decisions that help Airmen get their jobs done."

According to Hill, the fact that this installation and its Airmen are a strategically critical piece to our nation's defense, it is a significant role to be able to help sharpen the strategic course for the wing and help ensure its viability in the future.

"Being the vice commander, I am the senior staff officer to the wing commander," said Hill. "I see it captured in three ways: I help the boss make decisions; I look downrange at his schedule and I protect his signature."

The difference between being a commander and vice commander is no mystery. They are both leaders who take pride in all the recognitions the wing and its Airmen receive, working alongside one another to fulfill one goal, and that is to lead the wing to new heights.