Tapia shares his expectations of Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stephanie Englar
  • 14th Flying Training Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Chief Master Sgt. Gerardo Tapia, command chief of Air Education and Training Command, visited Columbus Air Force Base June 17 and 18 along with Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., AETC commander, on his tour of AETC bases.

During his visit, Tapia met with numerous Airmen from a multitude of jobs and ranks to discuss everything from current issues to Airmen's reasons for joining the Air Force.

"The thing that really excites me about an Airman who is just starting out in their career is that they have the capability to do anything," said Tapia. "When I talk to new Airmen, I get excited, to where I wish I could go back 28 years and start all over sometimes just because my career has been such a great trip."

It was hard work, Tapia said, that saved his career and made him the Airman that he is today.

"I like to joke around with young Airmen and tell them not to be like me," said Tapia. "I was a terrible Airman, who was always in a bit of trouble, but what saved me was my work ethic. I did every job that was asked of me, without even thinking twice. That earned me the benefit of the doubt from my supervisors."

Along with a good work ethic, Tapia said there are four qualities Airman should also have in today's Air Force.

"Airmen need to be technically competent, spiritually sound, have healthy social involvement and be physically fit," said Tapia, adding that he believed that was what all senior leaders and supervisors expected of their Airmen.

Tapia said that putting on the uniform isn't what makes you a warrior, it's about what is in an Airman's heart and mind.

"Be a good Airman, work hard, earn the faith and the trust of your fellow Airmen, earn the faith and trust of your supervisors, and you'll be fantastic if you don't lose yourself, your morale standard, and you make things count for you," said Tapia. "If being a good Airman is important to you, you'll fight hard for it. I am 100 percent convinced that if things that are special in your life are worth extra effort, you'll go to great lengths for them."

Along with character, dedication and hard work, Tapia said that education is an important part of a person's career.

"If you go out and become smarter, and take classes, at the end of the day it's not just you who benefits from it, the Air Force also benefits," said Tapia. "Education is a force multiplier all by itself. If you are an educated person you are going to be a better planner, better organizer, better communicator, and you'll be able to execute projects better. Education is the key.

"What really fires me up is that young Airmen have a lifetime of opportunities in front of them if they're willing to do the hard work for it," said Tapia.

Tapia believes that with hard work and education, an Airmen's career is almost limitless with the skill sets that they pick up.