Lessons from command Published June 3, 2009 By Maj. John T. Knack 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- I've learned a few lessons in these past two years as a squadron commander at Travis Air Force Base. Unfortunately, many of them truly hit home as a result of a recent tragedy in our squadron. It took the death of an Airman to crystallize these truths in my mind, where I pray I will never forget them. Every Airman is the most precious gift a family can give to our nation in her defense. My maintenance group commander, Col. Carol Johnson, is very quick to praise and thank the parents and spouses of our Airmen and often gives the mothers her commander's coins. My own mother treasures hers. I had to tell a mother and father this past week that our United States Air Force was blessed to have their son serve in our midst; I wish I had such an opportunity while Senior Airman Randy D. Waite II was still alive. Take care of our Airmen, their families and each other. Our Airmen are our Air Force! Our squadron pulled together in a time of crisis to meet Airman Waite's family's every need and to ensure they yearned for nothing. How often have our Airmen and their families needed that sort of care and compassion, and how often have we met those needs? Many times, a word of thanks or an outstretched hand or a listening ear can make an incredible difference to our warriors who execute a demanding mission and face great stresses every day. Speak a kind word every chance you get. I told Airman Waite's family how great an Airman he truly was: outstanding technician, ceaseless volunteer, ever willing to lend a hand, and always quick with a smile. I told Randy's family many such stories about him, as did his supervisor and friends. I wish I had one more opportunity to tell Randy himself how much I appreciated him. Do not pass up such opportunities; seize them and brighten someone's day! Be aggressive about safety! Don't just talk about safety at roll calls and commander's calls or by sending out slides to everyone in the unit. Be engaged with individuals, ask about their weekend plans, about their hobbies and observe their work habits. If you note or sense something that doesn't feel right, ask. Peers and friends can do this, not just commanders and supervisors. Leaders, do not "fire and forget" with your high-risk activities or motorcycle programs; get in the weeds and ask the tough questions. Be the buffer. As a leader, at whatever level, you should act as a shock absorber for information, activities or decisions that may distract your Airmen from focusing on their task at hand. You may have to absorb a lot, personally, in order to minimize turbulence at lower levels of the organization where the real work of the Air Force gets done. The buck stops here! This is a corollary to "be the buffer." If there are problems in your organization or work area--and there are; you just need to look for them and accept them -- do not make excuses or find scapegoats. Accept responsibility, fix the problems and move on. You will make life and work easier for your subordinates, and you will sleep easier at night. Our fantastic Airmen who comprise the United States Air Force and Team Travis perform outstanding work in defense of our great nation every day. It has truly been my honor to command nearly 300 peerless maintainers providing global mobility every day. Take every opportunity to thank our Airmen and their families, support and care for them in good times and bad, and make every effort to keep them safe. They are our Air Force and they deserve nothing less!