Col. Chapman takes command

  • Published
  • By Sandra Henry
  • 919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  "This is your wing and I am here to serve you," said Col. Steven J. Chapman to the hundreds of 919th Special Operations Wing reservists who gathered here Aug. 6.

Air Force and community leaders, wing members, and friends filled the Fuel Cell Hangar to welcome Colonel Chapman as the 10th commander of the 919th since its reactivation at Duke Field in 1971. The colonel, a command pilot with more than 5,100 flight hours, comes to the wing from the 913th Airlift Wing at Willow Grove, Pa., where he was the commander.

Maj. Gen. Richard C. Collins, 10th Air Force commander, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, was the presiding official at the ceremony. His responsibilities included transferring the flag and command to Colonel Chapman.

General Collins recognized those in the community and Crestview's Mayor George Whitehurst for taking care of the wing's Airmen and their families. He also thanked the troops for doing a great job in the Global War on Terrorism.

"The task is not done yet," he said.

In honor of the wing's exceptional war-fighting contributions thus far, General Collins presented the wing with its12th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

After the AFOUA streamer was placed on the wing's flag, Colonel Chapman took the podium and provided the troops with insights into how he thinks and some of his expectations:

- "Integrity is paramount. It's doing the right thing when no one is around; it is the cornerstone of all great organizations and should be the basis for everything we do.

- "Empowerment also means being accountable.

- "Disagreement, creative dissent, is not disloyalty. General Patton once stated that 'no one is thinking if everyone is thinking alike.'"

He also stressed the importance of communication by keeping all levels of leadership informed.

"Make informed decisions," he said. "Trust your personnel and take their input when making decisions. Ask yourself - is it legal, moral and safe; bottom line - does it make sense."

Having fun and keeping a good sense of humor is also important, he said.

Next, the colonel mentioned his pet peeves: relying exclusively on e-mail to accomplish the job; saying "we've always done it that way," not using the chain of command, and not showing each other respect.

"It doesn't matter if you're a general or airman, we treat everyone the same," he said. "We don't have to like each other, but we must treat each other with respect."

The colonel offers his undivided leadership and support to bring the wing to new levels of excellence as it meets its future challenges. He will assist in removing obstacles that hinder the mission and will help the wing acquire needed resources, he said.

Colonel Chapman's voice turned serious as he concluded his remarks.

"Not one of us is here by accident. Whether you're a colonel, a lieutenant, a chief or an airman, we all stood up and said I believe in the United States of America ... I can't think of a more honorable profession than one where you serve others - and that's what we're all doing - we are serving all Americans. I want you to be proud ... because America is proud of you," he said.

The choice those in uniform made to wear it enables those who stand in the shadow of the American flag to live free and without fear from terror, he said.

"I am extremely proud, excited and humbled to be given this opportunity to serve shoulder-to-shoulder with each of you."