Bruce Almighty: New commander has it all

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Terrica Jones
  • 916th Air Refueling Wing
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Lt. Col. Bruce P. Heseltine could make a young Airman tense in his presence.

The new 911th commander is a tall man of confident stature with a Marine-like aura around him, but just talk to him and you'll find what drives this commander comes from a softer place.

He is not only the new 911th commander, but a husband and father to two girls who are very supportive of his military endeavors. With 17 years of military experience under his belt his family's support has played a major part in his military career. He'll tell you that his family is everything.

He stated that without his wife, Jenny, "I wouldn't be here today without her, and there are a lot of reasons for that," he said.

His love for his family can be heard in his voice as he points out an example of his wife's continual support as he discusses going through flight school, and the numerous moves they've made during his career. He does not leave out the fact that they just celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary.

With a peaceful look he begins to reflect on his relationship with his daughters, "They complete you and give you a sense of perspective, you come home and you realize just how special you are to someone else, I think that gives you a nice reality check to get you back on track," he said.

He mentions that his family handles his busy schedule, "Really well, better than I could have expected," he said.

After discussing his family and the role they play in his life he mentions that no one
could have seen the path that his military career has taken thus far.

In 1993 then, 2nd Lt. Heseltine, didn't know at that time he would one day work
as a speechwriter for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon.
"To be honest I never thought about being a speechwriter. I don't consider myself a writer, I wrote quite extensively for the school that I was in, and I had papers published, but beyond that I don't actually consider myself a writer," he said.

He reveals he was putting together an application packet for the Air Force Command Action Group, for a job on Air Staff. While he was waiting for a response from the packet, he was informed that they were looking for a speechwriter for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and wanted to know if he would be interested. Even though he thought he was unqualified for the position he applied, interviewed and was soon hired.

Lt. Col. Heseltine enjoyed his occupation as a speechwriter. "It was a unique opportunity, very enlightening and gives you perspective," he said.

"I think working on the joint staff gave me the opportunity to work with folks from different backgrounds and different services," he said

His ability to work with a variety of individuals equipped him to serve in his latest position with the 911th.

The commander has some goals to repeat and expand. He said the successes of the 911th in the past two years are impressive. "I want to expand on those successes since they have already given me a good running start," he said.

He desires to find out what the people in the squadron want to accomplish and what are some of the things they would do differently. He wants to spend more time on the flight line, to meet in the back shops and see what Air Force members are doing.

He realizes this might be a big task. "It's hard to do because of the demands of a commander," he said, but he's committed to making it happen. "Even if it is nothing but passing a wrench to them," he said.

As with any new position there are obstacles that even a commander has to overcome.
One of the biggest obstacles he faces is the commander and operations officer positions swapped out at the same time.

Two new leaders have to get to know each other, as well as, the functions of the squadron at the same time, he said.

He gives the analogy from a book that deals with a cup of tea.

The first cup of tea you are strangers, the second cup of tea you are friends and by the third cup of tea you are family, he said.

He uses this analogy to explain how the new leaders are expected to already be on the third cup.

If you would have one new person instead of two new people coming in at the same time, then whoever is there the longest can help the new one, and it would make the transition easier, he said.

It's a challenge, but one he knows he'll quickly overcome.

His successes are long and many. A high-profile career, a loving, supportive family and an award-winning new squadron under his command, Lt. Col. Heseltine realizes his fortune and does not hesitate to share his experience and encourage other young adults to follow in his footsteps.

"If you're not sure following high school what you want to do with your life and you are looking for something exciting to be a part of, something bigger than you, go after it. Even if it isn't for you everybody who has ever served in the military will tell you that their experience is something they will never forget," he said. "They learn really great things and are able to work with some leaders and acquire life skills that carry on with them for the rest of their lives."

This commander has already acquired a strong skill set, but as the leader of a fledgling, yet already impressive squadron, he's poised to add more to drive the 911th through some upcoming challenges in the years ahead.