From the Top: The Keys of Leadership according to "Ike"

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Anthony J. Cotton
  • Commander, 45th Space Wing
During last week's wing standup meeting, Lt. Col. Calvin Dixon, our wing chaplain, started the meeting the same way he does every week - with a motivational quote or "thought of the day" that gives everyone something to think about.

This one, in particular, struck a nerve with me. It was a quote from General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe during World War II and our 34th President... "Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it." Just think about that... "Because he or she wants to do it."

General Eisenhower understood the word "leadership." Leaders, effective leaders that is, lead by example in everything they do. They get out from behind the desk, walk the halls, and understand the issues of their personnel. That kind of leadership rubs off - and leaders end up getting something done because their team wants to do it. Each of you should incorporate Ike's philosophy of leadership, it works.

Monday morning began with the ribbon cutting ceremony of our new state-of-the-art 45 SFS Combat Arms Training Facility. This $8.5M facility is a truly remarkable asset to our wing, and I would like to thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Mobile District), Harkins Development Corp., the Air Force Center of Engineering and Environment (AFCEE), the 45th Civil Engineer Squadron and 45th Space Communications Squadron who all devoted their skills for the completion of this great range.

We also hosted a visit from Mr. Jeffrey Allen, Director of Logistics, Installation and Mission Support, Headquarters, Air Force Space Command. Not only was he here to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony, we also had the better part of two days to show him around Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. He also had the opportunity to meet with our defenders during two all-calls at Patrick and the Cape. Needless to say, he, like every senior leader who has visited, left knowing what I've known for a long time: The women and men of Team Patrick execute their job with perfection everyday and it shows. You should be extremely proud of what you accomplish everyday...I am.

Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to mention the retirement of someone who has left an indelible mark on our wing since 1990. Mr. Rick Blucker, our Chief of Plans and Programs, retired on Wednesday after 35 years of dedicated service in our Air Force. Rick and Mary, thank you for over three decades of dedicated service to our country. The 45th Space Wing is a better place because of your tireless leadership. You will be missed!

Be safe Sharks...Keep pushing!