Making it through the ranks

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Col. Yvonne Spencer, 819th RED HORSE Squadron commander, spoke to Airmen at a Diversity Lean In Circle seminar June 16 at the Ace's High Bowling Center.

Spencer was asked to hold the seminar as part of the 341st Missile Wing's Lean In Circle program, which focuses on hosting events and seminars to promote a diversity within the Air Force as well as professional growth.

Originally from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Spencer can be considered a trailblazer for both women and African Americans in the Air Force. She is the first African American female commander of a RED HORSE squadron.

Approximately 40 enlisted Airmen and officers came together to hear what advice Spencer had to give.

Spencer's presentation focused on what she calls, "making it through the ranks," which centers on the trials and tribulations Spencer has had to overcome in her military career.

In regards to a question from an Airman about what skills Spencer had to utilize to overcome obstacles, she told the Airmen to just be themselves and to not be afraid. 

"Remember what it is that you're bringing to the fight, what it is inside of us that makes the Air Force great," said Spencer. "Don't be afraid to fail. I would rather have to bring someone back from leaning forward too much, than having to push them forward to make a decision."

Spencer took the opportunity to tell the Airmen in attendance about a time in her career where she failed as a flight commander.

"For me, it was a point of reflection," said Spencer. "My ego had gotten in the way of my ability to fall in line with what I needed to do for the mission. Failure does happen, but what matters is what you do after. For me, it was a hard lesson to learn. Mistakes are allowed, but the best lessons learned are the ones you teach yourself."

These words of advice could resonate for an audience of service members who are mostly relatively new to the Air Force.

"Colonel Spencer being the first African American female 819th RED HORSE squadron commander is a huge accomplishment," said Senior Airman Steven Sanders, an 819th RHS member. "Hearing her speak from a commander's perspective on leadership was really interesting and leaves a big impact."

Spencer believes that having diversity among service members makes for a better military.

"If we all thought the same, we would be in a world of hurt," said Spencer.  "I believe in what we do each and every day and what it means for a better Air Force. To make a better Air Force, it depends on you all. My job is to develop you all into future leaders to come behind me."

A diverse audience came to hear the commander's message, including civilians, both officer and enlisted military members, commanders and junior enlisted Airmen.

"I feel events like this are beneficial for everyone, because you get to see different views and what other people are looking for (in terms of the best ways to communicate)," said Sanders.

Spencer will soon be leaving squadron command to take an assignment as a group commander at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, after just a short term at Malmstrom.

Spencer left the Airmen with a last piece of advice that she has used to get her through her toughest moments as a military career officer.

"I would rather fail at something, than succeed at something that means nothing," said Spencer.