97 AMW Mentorship Task Force hosts leadership panel

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kayla Christenson
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

More than 50 Airmen attended a mentorship panel with 97th Air Mobility Wing squadron commanders, Sept. 14, 2021, at Altus Air Force Base.

The 97th AMW Mentorship Task Force hosted the panel to educate Airmen and civilians on how to become a great leader in the workplace and in one’s personal life.

“Mentorship is an opportunity for genuine connection that could transition into a more permanent professional role,” said Lt. Col. Adam Boyd, 56th Air Refueling Squadron commander. “The more different perspectives you can get, the better for not only your career, but for you as a person so you can make the world a better place.”

One of the panel members, Lt. Col. Daniel Moore, 97th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, shared his thoughts on setting up Airmen for success.

“I am an absolute firm believer in that if you empower people by giving them the tools for success and giving them the opportunity to fail, they will use their critical thinking skills and ultimately become a better Airman and leader,” he said.

Squadron commanders at the mentorship session talked about their own mistakes and how they learned from them to become a better leader.

“Personally, I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, leadership mistakes and personal mistakes, and I want to help other people not make the same mistakes,” said Boyd. “My lessons shouldn't just be contained within me. They should help somebody else get better.”

The panel encouraged junior enlisted Airmen to be leaders in their own roles, even if they do not have leadership positions.

“Leadership is important because it changes the world,” said Boyd. “Just because you don't have a title, doesn't mean you're not a leader or can’t be one, everyone can be a leader.”