Watkins: 'I want to do everything I can to secure our nation' Published Feb. 22, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Kali L. Gradishar 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- In December 1986, Col. Roger Watkins did not have a clear purpose for joining the United States Air Force. He was a teacher who happened to decide that he wanted to do something different with his life. He spoke with a recruiter and joined the service with no particular goal in mind. His purpose became clear years later while he was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., as the 91st Air Refueling Squadron commander. "I still have a memory burned in my mind of the tragic events of September 11, 2001," said the colonel. "I want to do everything I can to secure our nation from the threat of those who seek to destroy our very freedoms that so many before me have fought and died to preserve." Colonel Watkins will be playing his part in the role of securing our nation as the recently-appointed 92nd Air Refueling Wing vice commander. He will be working directly for Col. Scott Hanson, wing commander, in supporting Colonel Hanson's three priorities - people, readiness and modernization - while executing his daily duties. "The Air Force's number one objective is to fight and win the Global War on Terrorism. The 92nd ARW's contribution to this is providing combat-ready forces," said Colonel Watkins. Last July, Colonel Watkins was re-stationed here as the 92nd Operations Group deputy commander (he had been stationed here as a captain) and was able to dig even further into the inner workings of Fairchild as the deployed forces commander during a November exercise. "It was an opportunity to expand my scope of responsibility," he said. "I was able to work with some of the finest Airmen at Fairchild in an intense, combat-type scenario." As to the upcoming Unit Compliance Inspection, the colonel had guiding words for all Airmen. "Now is the time to refocus our operations, procedures and practices to ensure we are in compliance, and if not, to identify corrective actions so that we come into compliance," he said. "The UCI represents an opportunity for the entire wing to demonstrate that we are complying with all the regulatory guidance that we must operate under." Overall, Colonel Watkins sees that his main goal as a senior leader is to take care of the people who in turn take care of the mission. "This means setting and enforcing the right standards, going the extra mile to take care of our Airmen and their families before, during and after deployments, and providing opportunities for professional and personal development," said the colonel. Many leaders, good and bad, have had an impact on his views on good leadership qualities, and many commanders have made positive impacts on him personally as well, he said. It is not only military leaders, however, who have had an impact on his career. After moving 11 times in 20 years, there is no doubt that his family has been a constant source of support for him. "My success in the military is directly correlated to the unbelievable support my family has given me," Colonel Watkins said. "My family has been my foundation and I am so grateful to them and thankful for them." From a leader's perspective in the 92nd ARW, Colonel Watkins proposes that everyone should take the time to enjoy Spokane and the Inland Northwest. "Everyone is extremely busy, with deployments at an all-time high, so it is important when we have some down time to rest, relax and recreate," said Colonel Watkins. Colonel Watkins echoes and has followed the commander's mantra of "excellence" and will be playing a large part in the wing's mission as the new vice commander.