Standards, discipline and attention-to-detail critical to 916th mission

  • Published
  • By Capt. Shannon Mann
  • 916th Air Refueling Wing
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  "The Air Force Core Values are not just meant for the active duty," said Col. Fritz Linsenmeyer, wing commander of the 916th Air Refueling Wing, "the core values apply to all of us who wear the Air Force uniform."

Colonel Linsenmeyer reiterated that integrity, service before self and excellence in all we do were values for the Guard and Reserve as well and he wanted to ensure that his reservists kept these values in mind as they performed their Reserve duties.

The talk was from his heart as he relayed stories of doing things the right way because that's how they're meant to be done, but the reminder was also being heard across the command at units from North Carolina to California.

Colonel Linsenmeyer relayed a story of a young Airman back from tech school that informed a senior ranking supervisor that the method in which he was doing his job did not correspond with the technical order she had just learned about during her training. The supervisor ignored the Airman telling her that he had more time on the job than she did, unfortunately the unheeded warning ended with the death of another Airman.

"Use your chain of command and tell your supervisor if something isn't right," said the wing commander. "If the situation remains unresolved, come and see me so that we can fix the problem."

Maj. Gen. Allan Poulin, vice commander for the Air Force Reserve Command told members of the command, "Our Air Force and nation depend on you to maintain the highest standards of discipline in executing our Air Force mission. We cannot be unrivaled wingmen if we do not strive for excellence in all we do."

Colonel Linsenmeyer talked to all the members of the wing during the training weekend, "Our ability to fly, fight and win depends upon everyone working together, maintaining high standards and discipline and adhering to the Air Force's Core Values," he said. "I sincerely appreciate your efforts and ask that you always remember to be a good wingman."