COMMENTARY>>Being R.E.A.L. and keeping it R.E.A.L. with Team Little Rock!

By Chief Master Sgt. Margarita Overton
19th Airlift Wing command chief

‘Be R.E.A.L.’ and ‘Keep it R.E.A.L.’ are phrases which could have several meanings to different people. But to me, it is a mindset every Airman can apply to their mission and everyday life.

I use the acronym R.E.A.L. to convey my philosophy of being a Responsible, Engaged, Airmen 24/7, Leader. Anyone, no matter his or her position, can be a leader, but it truly takes accepting your responsibilities and being willing to engage in the mission and with people – either through supervisory actions or through collaboration and teamwork. As Airmen 24/7 we must know our actions matter at all times, not just during the traditional duty day. My goal is for this philosophy will spread throughout Team Little Rock as I assume my new position as the Command Chief of the 19th Airlift Wing.

My focus is building leaders. We need leaders, especially as we face tighter budgets, a smaller work force and total transformation. Most people shy away from leadership because of the misconception that good leaders are born; it’s been my experience that the common trait in all good leaders is their ability to learn. Each day brings new opportunities to learn and do, and I look forward to what we, Team Little Rock, will do together.

As the Command Chief, I’ll be the principal advisor to Col. Robinson on matters affecting the utilization, health, morale and welfare of more than 12,000 personnel and their families. Additionally, I advise the Commander on the combat readiness, professional development and training of the enlisted force.

My responsibilities include ensuring the installation commander’s policies are known and understood, keeping all commanders apprised of matters affecting their personnel, and acting as a liaison between headquarters staff agencies, commanders, tenant units, and senior leaders on operational and administrative matters. I plan to fulfill these responsibilities by getting out into the work centers, conducting Real Airlifters at Work visits and having face-to-face communication. I will rely on your candor and straight answers to the question “how’s it going?” Your honest feedback is the only way I can effectively be a voice for Team Little Rock and effectively advise Colonel Robinson on those issues nearest and dearest to your heart.

An “Air Force brat,” who moved around a lot, and grew up mostly in Athens, Greece, I entered the service in January 1987. After completing technical training as a ground radio specialist at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., I became an Airman Leadership School instructor. After a rewarding five years at ALS, I cross-trained into Manpower, learning the program requirements and processes of various career fields and how they fit in the big picture of the Air Force. I’ve held diverse duties throughout my career and while it almost appears as if I can’t quite figure out what to do when I grow up, the one thing I know for certain is my passion is serving people.

I’ve previously served as the 78th Force Support Squadron superintendent, then the 78th Mission Support Group superintendent two years later at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. In 2010, I went to Guam to serve as the Command Chief for the 36th Wing, Andersen Air Force Base.

It was through these diverse experiences that I developed the philosophy of keeping it R.E.A.L. Successful mission accomplishment is the outcome when we stay READY for every situation, strive for EXCELLENCE in all we do, are ACCOUNTABLE for our actions and LEAVE it better than we found it.

The mission of the 19th Airlift Wing is to provide worldwide deployable C-130 aircraft, aircrews, support personnel, and equipment for Air Mobility Command and Air Expeditionary Force taskings. My focus will be to ensure safety first, proper resourcing, and world class support to 19th AW Airmen, as well as our mission partners. It is through this seamless integration we will continue to contribute to the legacy of providing premier combat airlift.

We have a great team! I’m excited to be here and I’m truly honored and proud to serve as your Command Chief.