AETC command chief visits Columbus AFB

  • Published
  • By Airman John Day
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Chief Master Sgt. Gerardo Tapia, Command Chief of Air Education and Training Command, recently spent time with Team BLAZE Airmen at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. 

Tapia and Gen. Robin Rand, AETC commander, visited the base Jan. 22-23, 2015.

Rand and Tapia attended a reception Jan. 22 at the Rosedale Estate that included more than 100 members of the Columbus community. The next day, the general attended the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 15-04 graduation while the command chief spent time with the young enlisted and officer Airmen of Columbus AFB.

During a breakfast with several Airmen, Tapia explained some of the inner workings of leadership and addressed some of their concerns.

"The emphasis we have on trying to provide quality-of-life improvements to the Airmen of Columbus Air Force Base is an example of the simple fact that your leadership cares about you and is constantly thinking about your well-being," the chief said.

Tapia addressed Enlisted Performance Reports and discussed the importance of professional development.

"Education is a force multiplier for the Air Force," Tapia said. "To me, it is either black or white with no gray area. You either think it's really important or you don't."

He went on to speak about his experiences as a leader.

"I like to practice intrusive leadership," Tapia said. "That means if you work for me, I want to know everything about you. Supervisors who practice this type of leadership will really like this new system because it allows them to accurately convey the status of their Airmen."

After the all-call, Tapia toured the firehouse and Radar Approach Control to talk with those who could not attend the all-call.

"This should solidify the truth of the matter that your leadership cares about you, and as leaders we continue to make strides to improve the lives of our Airmen," Tapia said.

The command chief then re-joined the general to co-host a question and answer session with all Columbus AFB chiefs and first sergeants.

After sharing lunch with members of Columbus' Synergy Group, Tapia departed, but not before letting Team BLAZE know that they are valued and are always on leadership's radar.

"Even though Columbus AFB is two states away from us at (Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas) you are never off our minds on a day-to-day basis," Tapia said. "I can guarantee you that."