GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 17th Training Wing conducted a commander’s call at the base theater here July 25, 2019. This is the first since Col. Andres Nazario, 17th Training Wing commander, took command of Goodfellow AFB.
The purpose of a commander’s call is to foster teamwork and instill pride in the members of the base and allow the commander the opportunity to hear directly from their Airmen. During the event, Nazario and Chief Master Sgt. Lavor Kirkpatrick, 17th Training Wing command chief, discussed the themes they wish to develop and continue over the next couple of years.
The themes were based around the idea of being revolutionaries in your career. One way that this was described was by the acronym LEAP. Nazario explained that the acronym stood for love, energy, audacity, and prove. He went on to explain these concepts further.
“You have to find a way to love what you do, have the energy to do it, have the audacity to take risks, and be able to prove it,” said Nazario.
During the presentation, motivational videos were presented to explain these ideas further. Kirkpatrick also spoke on finding a purpose in the work you do every day. Regardless of what work is being done, the ‘why’ is what makes it worth it.
“We hope that every day you step into your duties, every day that you lead an Airman, every day you have the opportunity to be a part of team Goodfellow,” said Kirkpatrick, “you recognize that you are a part of the greatest organization leading the greatest Airmen that the Air Force has. That is what we do. That is who we are. Never forget who you are. We are the greatest!”
Kirkpatrick went on to challenge Airmen in the audience to share why they are great and was answered by multiple units’ chants. Each unit explained why they were essential to the 17th Training Wing’s mission to train, develop, and inspire exceptional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and fire protection professionals.
By the end of the event, Nazario and Kirkpatrick had encouraged the Airmen to be leaders, hold each other accountable, earn their pay, be instruments for change, and always strive to be revolutionary.