CMSAF: ‘I've got one job and that's to take care of you’

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The men and women of the U.S. Air Force are relied on heavily for air, space and cyberspace combat capabilities. In today’s complex and ever-changing battlespace, the Air Force’s global presence and demanding operations tempo is critical to the continued defense of the U.S. and its Allies. As a result,resiliency serves as a necessary safeguard to ensure the force’s single most valuable resource, its people, never fail.

Air Force leaders are constantly looking for new ways to improve quality of life in the Air Force, ensuring Airmen and their families are prepared to face the challenges that come with serving in the military. During a visit to RAF Lakenheath, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright discussed ongoing, and upcoming, quality of life and resiliency initiatives across the force.

“I believe quality of life has a direct tie to our Air Force mission,” said Wright. “Primarily because the mission can’t go without Airmen. Anytime we can improve the quality of life of our Airmen and their families, I think we’re going to get a better product, and they’re going to be more resilient.”

The goals of Chief Master Sgt. Ernesto Rendon, 48th Fighter Wing command chief, fall directly in line with Chief Wright’s vision. They have both advocated for giving time back to Airmen so they can take care of themselves, their wingmen and their families.

“My vision is that the 48th Fighter Wing continues to produce world-class Airmen, ready to conduct combat operations over the full spectrum at a moment’s notice,” said Rendon. “I want this assignment to be professionally and personally rewarding for all our Airmen and their families.”

To support the local community, Rendon established a quality of life initiative where experts in continuous process improvement held forums for Airmen and their families to bring ideas and concerns to the table. Expanded hours for services and dorm improvements led by Airmen are two of many changes that resulted from this effort.

“It’s time for us to focus on what we are doing here to make sure our Airmen are confident, have the best resources and facilities, and more importantly, that their families feel well supported,” said Rendon. “The quality of life initiatives that we’ve taken on help improve the services we provide on the installation.”

Many of the improvements at RAF Lakenheath, and across the Air Force, started as innovative ideas brought forth by Airmen, and then pushed to the top by leaders who listen.

“All of us should be free to be creative and innovative as we think through resiliency in our Air Force today and moving into the future,” said Wright. “Just because it worked in my generation, or just because it works right now, doesn’t mean it will be what we need in the future. As leaders we need to be open to our Airmen’s ideas.”

Addressing over 1,200 Liberty Wing Airmen at the end of his base visit, Wright left the wing with one final remark to reassure Airmen that their wellbeing remains his top priority: “I've got one job and that's to take care of you.”