MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Despite the cold weather and snow-covered roads, Maj. Gen. Michael Lutton, 20th Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Rodolfo Gamez Jr., 20th AF command chief, spent Nov. 13-15 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.
The pair, along with 341st Missile Wing leadership, met with Airmen to discuss current issues and answer questions, as well as tour renovated base infrastructure and observed demonstrations of base defenses.
During their first day on base, they spent two out of their three meals with the Airmen of the 341st MW: breakfast with the women of the 341st Security Forces Group and lunch with a myriad of Airmen from across the base, participating in open ended discussions and answering any questions the attendees had.
While both discussions were focused on Airmen, the more specific focus of the lunch discussion was bridging the gap between enlisted and officers.
“I wear a different rank, but we both wear the same uniform,” Lutton said. “Some of my greatest development was by the enlisted force. There was a chief…he was a wealth of knowledge for me, as an officer, on how to lead Airmen, and I didn’t let rank get in the way of that.”
He also explained to be a good leader and a good wingman, Airmen need to look at every one of their wingmen as valuable and critical, but also as unique.
Gamez echoed his sentiment.
“No matter your rank or duty title – every Airman is a leader,” Gamez said. “The most important thing you will do while leading an Airman will never make your Enlisted Performance Report. Keep that in your forefront: the humanity and the kindness, be connected. Know people’s story. Be able to take care of them.”