ANG Command Chief visits 128 ARW, inspires Airmen with key focal points

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Meghan Skrepenski
  • 128th Air Refueling Wing
MILWAUKEE --  Chief Master Sergeant James W. Hotaling, the Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Air National Guard, visited the 128th Air Refueling Wing at General Mitchell International Airport Dec. 5, 2015.

During the visit, Hotaling conducted meetings and discussions across the base including focus discussions with the Strength Management Team, the Religious Support Team and Director of Psychosocial Health, and included a question and answer session with 128 ARW junior and senior enlisted Airmen.

Hotaling tailored his key focal areas around topics of Airmen's interest such as commitment to service, the health of the Airmen, and recognizing Airmen's accomplishments. 

In the junior enlisted Airmen meeting, Hotaling spoke about the pride felt by an Airman newly graduated from Basic Military Training and challenged the Airmen in attendance to always strive for excellence and to focus on each Airmen's role in the military.

Hotaling reflected on advice that he would like to pass on to young Airmen:
"You have dreamers and you have doers", said Hotaling. "Be the doer, be the absolute best person that you can today.  Don't only look toward the future, but focus on the here and now." 

In the senior enlisted Airmen meeting, Hotaling focused on his key focal points with an emphasis on leadership, mentorship and supervision of Airmen.

As part of the senior enlisted, we need to ensure we focus on the lower enlisted and recognize them as necessary to promote growth and further development and to help raise morale, said Hotaling.

Restoring the health of the force includes mental, physical, social, and spiritual resilience. Hotaling reflected that each of these areas must collectivity be in balance, therefore supervisors need to ensure open communication and Airmen should not hesitate to seek help if needed.

Several outstanding Airmen, nominated by their supervisors, were recognized by being given a coin from Hotaling for their accomplishments and demonstration of Air Force core values.

"If we focus on the human aspect, as leaders, we will ensure that we successfully meet the needs of the mission," said Hotaling. "By putting the needs of our Airmen first and letting them know that we hear them and their concerns, we will find success together."