When I deployed in 03/04, I ran an aerial port and it was awesome. However, this HQ thing has pulled me way outside my comfort zone and as a result, the learning and opportunities have been far greater than you could imagine. You learn by doing, so if you are in the guard, get yourself out here in any capacity you can.
One thing that I keep thinking is that this is preparing me for something else, but I have no idea what (or when). So I am just trying to keep an open mind and experience and "do" everything that I can, everything that comes my way. I suppose it is natural to think that, because everything that I gain here will not be used here--I leave in 60 days! It almost seems a waste, so I guess I am hoping that I can put it to use in other ways, other jobs, and other opportunities in the future.
This is a time of transition…the hard as nails J4 Director is leaving and the new guy is on the ground. It is looking like the new guy will be heading a new direction, and tasking me in a different way. Another change that has occurred over the last couple of weeks is that there are four more people working in the mobility shop, three of which are Air Force Logistics Readiness Officers. Until now, I was the only one. With these two changes, it is now possible for me to function more like a Liaison officer! This is good news in that it should create more time for personal pursuits, such as studying Air War College. It will be 12+ hour days, but not the 15-17 hour days I’ve been doing. I hope this is not premature thinking…it has only been a week with the new guy.
The old boss rightfully took advantage of the full range of my skill set…I have more to offer than just “synchronizing and optimizing airlift”. Because of this, I ended up in a leadership and policy setting role. This pulled me out of my comfort zone quite a bit because I had to figure out how to get things done and set direction for people to follow, yet nobody had to follow because they don’t work for me. I had to rely on my powers of persuasion and influence. After 60 days, and getting adjusted to the new comfort zone, this personnel transition is pulling me out of my comfort zone again. Now, I have to figure out how to NOT direct the efforts of others…how to NOT lead. Hmmm… This is going to be different…I am going to have to keep my mouth shut...
I had 13 boxes filled with school supplies when I returned from the States, and 2 more boxes have arrived since! The City of Sparks was very, very generous, they sent nine glorious boxes. The Erck family sent three; Nevada Energy Rates department (Trevor and family, Cheryl and Debbie), the Chris Cobb family and the Robert Lee family each sent one. In addition to that, I received 2 of boxes of stuff for the troops. Stantec sent homemade cookies in these great tins, and the Hutchins family sent some Wolf Pack jerky and other treats. My work mates loved both. That is a total of 17 boxes since I got back and a total of 40 boxes since I’ve been here. I can’t believe how generous you all are!
No comments:
Post a Comment