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12th AF commander hosts all call, bids farewell to 28th BW

  • Published
  • By Airman Sadie Colbert
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Lt. Gen. Chris Nowland, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander, addressed Ellsworth Airmen during an all call at the Pride Hangar Sept. 24.

Nowland discussed the importance of the 28th Bomb Wing's performance over the years and how Airmen should take all leadership opportunities as a way to develop and grow throughout their careers.

"Focus on your job first," Nowland said. "But don't stop focusing on those leadership opportunities where you can pull a team together and make a difference in people's lives."

He also elaborated on the value of thorough and honest feedback from leadership as supervisors sculpt future Airmen to execute their jobs to the best of their ability.

"Supervisors, you need to take the time to debrief honestly," Nowland said. "The reason we're doing it is because we are creating an environment where, 'somebody at work knows me and somebody at work cares about me,' and you're giving them feedback to take their performance to the next level. In the end, it's that performance that takes us to the next level."

Chief Master Sgt. Jose Barraza, 12th AF command chief, accompanied the general on his visit and took time during the all call to reaffirm the general's comments. He added that with good feedback, honesty and the drive to continue to build each other up, Airmen will perform better and the results will show it.

"You will be unstoppable," Barraza said. "I believe it wholeheartedly."

The 12th AF commander concluded the all call by thanking all Ellsworth Airmen and their families for their unwavering dedication in supporting one another and the remarkable input they made while aligned under the 12th AF banner.

"Thank you and your families," Nowland said. "Your time in the Air Force is short, but your families will always be there. Remember, you are serving something that is bigger than yourself. Your service has value."