55th Wing gets new command chief, lots of energy

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Danielle Grannan
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The 55th Wing welcomed a new command chief last month, just in time for the activation of a new squadron, the 2010 Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show, a unit compliance inspection and another upswing in operational readiness exercises.

Chief Master Sgt. Suzan Sangster, who arrived from a one-year tour at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia, isn't daunted by the high operations tempo here or the hard work ahead.

"Coming from a deployed location, you work seven days a week, often between 12 and 16 hours a day," the chief said. "That's definitely put me in the right mindset for such a busy wing as this."

A linguist by trade, Chief Sangster has been in the Air Force for 28 years and has been awarded a Bronze Star and the Honorable Order of St. Barbara Award among other recognitions and decorations. She has had 18 assignments and two deployments throughout her career.

Those experiences have helped the chief develop what she says is a very team-oriented leadership style.

"My leadership style is very inclusive," said Chief Sangster. "I'm the cheerleader for the enlisted corps here. In order to be an advocate for them, and to make sure we're doing the right things from a leadership standpoint, we have to work together as a team."

That team work and camaraderie is what she sees as a pillar of success for both the 55th WG and individual careers.

"Our vision is to lead the fight, but we are also going to take care of our people and continue to capitalize on the great things this wing is already doing," she said.

"We've been engaged in a tremendous number of missions and combat operations for 20 years now ... We have a world-wide impact with everything we do so my job is to help ensure that the 55th WG continues with the level of excellence it has already established."

Between constrained budgets, environmental conservation efforts, education and mentorship, there are several challenges facing both the 55th WG and the Air Force, said Chief Sangster. But she views these challenges as opportunities to work through and be great leaders.

"Our nation is going through a very dramatic time right now," the chief said. "The economy is struggling and that affects money allocated to the military. As a result, it drives a lot of decisions and prioritization. We have to be good stewards for the United States. A key component is to make sure we have the resources available to execute our mission. If we don't have those resources available, we have to adapt and still execute the mission."

Chief Sangster strongly endorses education and the programs available to make the process easier for military members.

"I'm a huge proponent of education," she said. "We have a ton of programs right now - we have bachelor's degree programs, eight different colleges on base and a Community College of the Air Force program. Embrace education, become more educated."

"Another thing you absolutely need to be a part of are our professional organizations," said Chief Sangster. "We have an Elite Four, a 5/6 Network, a Top III and a Chief's Group specifically for the reasons of being able to network and mentor with one another.

"You're going to realize that you're not in this alone, and sometimes it can seem that way. There are other people out there who are going through what you're dealing with or might be able to give you some advice on how you can help your Airmen," she said.

Aside from education, networking and mentorship, Chief Sangster believes passion is also a key ingredient for success.

"The recipe for a good senior NCO is to be humble and to always do your absolute best; to make sure you're taking care of the mission, that you're taking care of the people you work with and that you have passion for what you do," the chief said.

"Everyone has tough days. But when you can wake up and be excited about what you're going to do, that enthusiasm, that excitement not only transforms any kind of work center into a positive environment, it transforms you as a person," she emphasized.

Passion doesn't only apply to the top of the enlisted corps, she added. "We should all be proud of who we are and what we do - and have passion for it.

"I think the best advice that I could give anybody would be to love what you do and be passionate about what you do. We are in the greatest air force in the world. How could you not be motivated every single day to just get up, put the uniform on and walk out knowing that you are part of something bigger than yourself?"

Of the nearly 20 assignments she has been through, Chief Sangster said being at Offutt with the 55th WG is the highlight.

"I'm excited about being an Airman," said Chief Sangster. "I'm really excited about being part of the 55th WG. This is a premier wing -- this is a dream job. To be a part of the heritage of this great wing, to be a member of this great wing and to be able to serve the Airmen of the great wing -- It is truly the highlight of my career."