Core values: Every Airman's key to success

  • Published
  • By Col. Jeffrey Harrigian
  • 49th Fighter Wing commander
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Team Holloman,

The past few weeks have been exceptional in many ways for both Holloman and the Air Force at large.

Here in the 49th Fighter Wing, we are now flying, maintaining and training on our first two Holloman-tailed F-22 Raptors. We've also welcomed the 44th Fighter Group and its 301st Fighter Squadron to base as part of the Air Force's "Total Force Initiative," allowing active duty and reserve components to work together more efficiently than ever before.

As Airmen - meaning military, civilians and contractors alike, we have a lot to be proud of. These developments are the result of months of hard work, detailed planning and finally, successful execution. Moreover, they demonstrate our Air Force core values: integrity, service and excellence, in action.

At the same time, we are coming to grips as an Air Force community with the resignation of our service's Secretary and Chief of Staff.

The resignations by Secretary Wynne and General Moseley are also examples of our core values in action. They took responsibility and held themselves accountable for actions which occurred within the Air Force. They stood up and did the honorable thing that we hope any Airman would. We should admire and respect them for that.

As difficult as it is, we must use this occasion to examine ourselves and the missions for which we are responsible here at Holloman. We must ensure that our levels of discipline, compliance, focus and attention to detail are equal to the awesome responsibilities placed upon us by our Air Force and nation.

Over the next year, we will continue to evolve as a wing and base. Whether it is complex change, such as implementing the Air Force's Global Wing Organizational Structure, or routine, such as welcoming new commanders this summer, we need to remember to take the time to step back and reflect on the core values of our service. Adherence to them will ensure our success in the future, just as they have in the past. There is no doubt our Air Force will get through this and will be stronger for it.

At the end of the day, we are a nation at war, and we have a mission to perform for this great nation. Let's do it with pride and our heads held high. Thank you for all of your hard work.