News

Nichols mentors company grade officers

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lauren Woods
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Col. John Nichols, 14th Flying Training Wing Commander, spoke to assembled company grade officers June 15 at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, during a small mentorship luncheon.

The luncheon was part of a mentorship program designed to prepare CGOs for the next step in their careers. Over sandwiches and chips, the colonel spoke candidly to the junior officers about their role in the Air Force.

"What we need are officers that are willing to take action," Nichols said. "I often get asked the question, 'What can I do to do the best I can in my job?' And I know this sounds cliché, but the answer is to do the best job in the job you're in, whatever it is."
Among his advice, he suggested "don't step over a dead body," meaning if something is broken, speak up rather than leaving it alone.

Finally, he had this advice for CGOs: "control the things that are within your control. Some of it is not. I was an Intel officer for close to eight years; I left the Academy, had back surgery, lost my pilot slot, and it took me eight years to get it back. Three times the Air Force surgeon general told me, 'Nichols, you will never fly for the United States Air Force.'

"There's a story here about persistence: it's okay to have goals and continue to push for them, but at the same time, do the job you're in now. Don't let the goal overshadow the task at hand."

The CGOC consists of second lieutenants, first lieutenants and captains from all groups at Columbus AFB. The council's mission is to maintain and improve the quality of life, morale and professional development for all active-duty company grade officers, and their families, assigned to Team BLAZE. Membership is open to all permanent-party officers below major; however, non-member CGOs are welcome to attend CGOC functions.

For more information about becoming a member of the CGOC, contact 1st Lt. Joseph Smiley, CGOC president, at 434-1330 or by email at joseph.smiley.2@us.af.mil.