'Fiends' forever

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eric Burks
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Maj. Gen. Robin Rand, Assistant to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force - and former 36th Fighter Squadron "Fiend" commander - visited Osan Feb. 10, meeting with squadron members and sharing his thoughts on leadership at an officer's call.

General Rand, the 85th "Fiend" commander, also met with current "Fiend" commander Lt. Col. John Seuell, Lt. Col. Ralph Waite, 51st Operations Group deputy commander and 95th "Fiend" commander, and Col. Mark DeLong, 51st Fighter Wing vice commander and 92nd "Fiend" commander.

Colonel Seuell said, "While talking with General Rand in the squadron it became apparent that the pride and excellence of the 36th FS today is not a new phenomenon. The excellence reflects a 94-year tradition of professionalism and service since the 36th Aero Squadron activated in 1917."

"Some organizations are special; the greatness of those units doesn't fade over time as its Airmen transition," he said. "This squadron is one of those organizations whose amazing Airmen learn from those who came before and carry on the traditions of excellence."

During the officer's call, General Rand offered several personal and professional leadership "gems" that could be mined by any Airman, regardless of rank.

Colonel Seuell noted several of these "gems" were very evident in the squadron. "'Every Airman can make a lasting and important impact on their organization. Don't walk by a problem -- fix it. Don't accept the status quo - strive for excellence.' Every day I see 'Fiends' putting these philosophies into action to make the squadron, wing and base a better place to serve," he said.

"Whether it relates to flying and fixing airplanes, integrating with our joint and coalition team, or taking care of Airmen and their families, the Airmen are making it happen by taking ownership of problems they see and then solving them," said Colonel Seuell.

Colonel Waite said, "I was most impressed with how well General Rand knew his people. I think that's a lesson that resonates with me the most as a graduated squadron commander. I thought it was tough enough to keep track of a squadron's worth of Airmen, he made efforts to learn his entire base. Be inquisitive, be genuinely interested, and never forget to say thank you."

A few more "gems" from General Rand were:

- Act like warriors, know the mission and articulate the mission.

- Strive to set the right example - in the air and on the ground. "The kind of role model I want to be is one to deflect credit to others when things go right, and accept responsibility when they don't," said the general.

- Maintain your integrity and foster an environment conducive to good integrity.

- Be humble and approachable.

- Take care of your family.

General Rand then addressed one question he often hears - "Why do you serve?"

"The important question is not why did you join the service, but 'why did you stay in and continue to serve?'" he said. "The reasons most of us join the service aren't the same as why we stay... find out why you continue to serve."

"For me it's simple ... the mission, our great Airmen, and the families," said General Rand.