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Take care of your people

By Master Sgt. Michael Wilsey , 51st Medical Group first sergeant / Published August 07, 2008

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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- I was a Security Forces staff sergeant, stationed at
Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., supervising a missile
field security crew of seven Airmen when I received this
most career impacting challenge.

It came from Master Sgt. Gregory Hurt, my flight
chief.

"You have the ability to positively impact, not
only the security forces career field, but the entire Air
Force, if you take the time to take care of your people,"
he said. "If you choose to ignore their problems, choose
to focus only on their job performance and not genuinely
care about your people, you are failing in your responsibilities as a supervisor
and an NCO. If you do not take care of your people, who will?"

The answer is no one!

You have to take the time to take care of your people!

The experiences I have gained through the years have brought me to the
highlight of my career, that of a first sergeant. No other words embody the spirit
and intent of my position than, "take care of your people."

There is no job more rewarding. You know you are doing your job well
when your people are proud to say that you are "their shirt." You have been the
strength they could turn to in times of trouble, heartbreak, pain and when the fear
of the unknown came along.

You were also the one they share their times of joy, laughter, fun and success.
Through the good times and hard times, a Shirt is there for his or her people.

My challenge to you today is the same one I received a long time ago -- are
you taking care of your people?
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