Inauguration a reminder about leadership

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Wow Team Travis, what a historic week for the United States of America and the world! I spent Monday fixated on the television watching CNN fuse Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream with then president-elect Obama's road to the White House; "From MLK to Today." 

Then on Tuesday, just as many other people around the globe did, I watched as President Barack Obama recited through oath of office. The best part was observing the reactions of those who descended upon Washington as they witnessed the inauguration and listening to Americans unveil their opinions and thoughts about the historic moment. Sitting almost motionless I couldn't help but think, regardless of the color of your skin, political affiliation or religious belief it's almost impossible for one not to be proud and overwhelmed at the journey our country has traveled in the past 40 years or so.  We are facing a long and arduous road in front of us; however, as one individual stated there are no more excuses. It's going to require every American's contribution to reinvigorate this nation. We can't allow racial lines, political division or economic status to become an obstruction to progression ... no more excuses. 

Therefore, as this great nation plows forward trying to change its course in the midst of the rugged waters ahead, so must we. We must embrace this back-to-basic quest. I've said it before; our enlisted corps must lead this back-to-basic charge if we, as an institution, are to return to the basics, rebuild our reputation of excellence and regain the trust and confidences of the American people. It's time for us to stop making excuses for our front-line supervisors, our inept leaders and hold them accountable. 

We're doing a remarkable job supporting our combatant commanders contributing to the Global War on Terrorism. However, we're so focused on the mission that it's causing us to negate our responsibility to develop future leaders. I recently had an opportunity to visit the students at the Paul P. Ramoneda Airman Leadership School; during my visit I asked if anyone could name the secretary of defense, secretary of the Air Force, chief of staff of the Air Force or chief master sergeant of the Air Force. One Airman cautiously arose from her seat and timidly responded, "Chief Master Sgt. McKinley," I replied "Yes." 

These Airmen are on the eve of completing the final requirement to become a supervisor in the United States Air Force; I am genuinely concerned. But who's the blame for their shortcomings: them, their supervisor or leadership? I believe there's enough blame to go around. 

Today is the day we must draw a line in the sand and say, enough is enough. From our early days of the Army Air Corps to today, our Airmen have continuously faced and endured tumultuous times. However, I don't believe anyone would argue that the one thing that has remained constant is our enlisted force and the leadership we bring. From those early enlisted leaders who transitioned us from the Army Air Corps into a separate service, to those who lead our Airmen on today's battlefields, around the world and here at home - leaders such as yourself and the ones you develop. No more excuses - today is the day.