COMMENTARY>>Growing rock at Little Rock

By Chief Master Sgt. Jesse Stirling
314th Airlift Wing command chief master sergeant

In geology, rock is a naturally occurring solid aggregate of minerals. In simpler terms, it takes a collection of bits and pieces to grow rock. Every element plays a critical role in the process and it still takes nature centuries to fully mature rock. Team Little Rock completes the same task in a fraction of that time. How is this possible?

How can a collection of people with such diverse backgrounds, working in three separate wings accomplish what Mother Nature takes generations to do? The answer to this question was clear from the first day of my assignment as TLR’s newest command chief. It started with the professional welcome we received from 19th Security Forces Squadron personnel at the main gate, continued with a courteous check-in from the folks at billeting and warm greetings from 314th leadership, followed shortly thereafter with an immersion brief from the 189th Airlift Wing.

Truth be told, in the first few days here, my wife and I received scores of briefings and met so many people that remembering what wing they represented was difficult. It was at this point that Kay and I realized Little Rock is a very special place. Our three wings work as one complete entity, supporting each other in the missions TLR is charged to accomplish. As in nature, our bits and pieces work together to create a solid aggregate … but we do it faster!

I join a fantastic duo of Command Chiefs dedicated to your success. Alongside Chief Master Sgts. Jim Morris and Gary Wynn, I work for you. Our collective goal is to ensure you have everything you need to be successful, whether it’s training, equipment or support programs for you and your families. You are our mission, and we take that mission seriously.

Kay and I are excited to be part of the team.

We have met many of you already and look forward to meeting all of you. Thank you for a very gracious welcome, allowing us to be part of your rock, and all you do every single day.