JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The following is a question and answer interview with Col. Jacqueline Van Ovost, 89th Airlift Wing commander:
Q: With our crazy weather, how was your trip to Joint Base Andrews? Traveling was a bit of an adventure, but with the help of the 316th Civil Engineer Squadron, Security Forces Squadron and Force Support Squadron professionals, I found my way into the temporary lodging facility. Only a minor shock going from San Antonio to Washington D.C. weather patterns!
Q: What do you think prepared you most to lead the Airmen of the 89 AW? Clearly, my vice and commander tour at Randolph AFB, Texas, defined the issues I should focus on as a wing commander: people and safe, effective mission accomplishment. As a commander, I work for all of the Airmen (military, civilian, contract teammates, etc.) to ensure they have the resources, training and support necessary to accomplish the mission.
I also believe that the lessons I have learned from the people I have served with and the opportunities I have been given over a lifetime will be drawn upon at some point in leading the 89 AW professionals. Leadership begins with knowing your Airmen, understanding their needs and then creating a plan for their personal and professional success.
Q: What do you expect from those under your command? My expectations certainly revolve around our Air Force core values. Beyond that I add loyalty up and down the chain as well as horizontally across your peers. Loyalty is about being faithful to each other and being committed to our mission.
Taking care of our families is another cornerstone to our success. Families are the core building block of society. If we don't take care of our families, we take a double hit: the mission will suffer and our precious folks will walk out the door. Finally, we should be having fun! We need to foster our SAM FOX culture, take time to have fun with our units, and let everyone know that even though "Perfection is Our Standard," the 89 AW is also a enjoyable team to be a part of!
Q: I see your last assignment within Air Mobility Command was at McConnell AFB, Kan., in 2003. How does it feel to come home? Awesome. It is great to be a part of the command that is first-in and last-out when it comes to operations. Once again I can turn on any news program and see the results of the 89 AW and AMC at work. I have learned much about joint transportation and developing our Airmen in my interim assignments and I am looking forward to applying that knowledge in AMC.
Q: How do you think it will be to greet president Obama for the first time? Greeting the President? How cool is that? What an honor to meet our commander and chief! But honestly, I am just the showpiece for the larger team. The greater honor is to work with the 89 AW professionals who make history daily.
Q: What do you recommend to someone who would like to follow in your footsteps? Hey wait, I'm not leaving yet! I emphasize to others that as leaders we need to focus on our people and getting the big rocks out of their way. It doesn't matter if you are an element leader or wing commander, it doesn't matter what MAJCOM you are in or what your specialty is; keep the focus on your primary job, support your people, solve your boss' problems, take care of yourself and your family and all the rest of it falls into place.
Q: What do you look forward to most while serving as the commander of the 89 AW? Watching the successes of the men and women of the 89 AW!
Q: Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you? Just that my husband and I are both excited to be on the team, and ready to support the Airmen of the 89 AW.