Vision of the command chief

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  "My vision is 20/20."

Chief Master Sgt. Brian Lavoie smiled briefly before speaking again about his vision and goals as the new command chief of the 28th Bomb Wing.

"I want the Airmen of the 28th BW to know that I'm here for them, and their careers," he said. "My goal is to represent the office of the command chief in a capacity that elevates both the professionalism and efficiency of the wing."

Chief Lavoie said he took his new position without an agenda or predisposition.

"I don't really have a platform," he said. "I have a desire to serve. If I came into this job with my own personal agenda, it might not coincide with the goals of the wing commander."

According to Chief Lavoie, Airman should adapt to the position they are put in; they shouldn't try to change the job just to suit their needs.

"A big part of the job is discovering how to best serve the 28th BW and its commander," he said. "As I continue to figure that out, I will be able to work toward taking things to the next level - whatever that may be."

One of the ways the chief is planning to take the wing to the next level is to improve upon the already existing communication channels.

"I will strive to improve unilateral communication throughout the wing," he said. "Airmen at all levels should know they have a voice here, in this office."

As Chief Lavoie genuinely cares for the health and welfare of Ellsworth's Airmen, he does set a high standard for excellence.

"The Air Force has taught you how to be professional Airman," he said. "When you come to Ellsworth, I don't expect anything less."

Be a professional Airman, do a good job every day and remember where you came from are the words Chief Lavoie wants Airmen to live by. But, he does understand that every journey has its stumbling blocks.

"I'm not perfect - no one is perfect. I know I have some things to work on," he said. "But, every day I wake up and have another day on this earth I see it as a gift."

Chief Lavoie said he wants to deliberately develop well balanced Airmen by incorporating the Resiliency Models into their everyday lives. Resiliency stems from a harmony between physical, mental and spiritual fitness.

"Make a concerted effort to strike a balance between your work and home life," he said. "I'm excited to see what we can accomplish."