New 100th ARW command chief shares vision

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon Johnston
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Team Mildenhall welcomed its newest command chief Feb. 1, 2013, when Chief Master Sgt. Tracy Jones took over the reigns as the 100th Air Refueling Wing's highest enlisted member. With a month under his belt as command chief, Jones has a clear vision for his position and his expectations of Team Mildenhall's Airmen.

After two-and-a-half years as the 86th Mission Support Group superintendent at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jones was selected as the new command chief for the 100th ARW. With nearly 26 years of service and experience as a ground radio communications-electronics technician and postal specialist, he brings diverse experience to Team Mildenhall.

As command chief, Jones supports Col. Christopher Kulas, 100th ARW commander and his vision for the installation. He thinks, for Team Mildenhall Airmen to understand and accept the gravity of the mission they are working to complete every day, they must grasp the big picture.

"Know our wing's mission: provide and employ global air refueling, airlift, combat support and expeditionary forces, and understand how you doing your job contributes to accomplishing it," Jones said. "Also know the wing's three priorities: mission, people and building partners. Understand how focusing on our priorities keeps us all aligned and heading toward our common goal of accomplishing our mission."

In addition to wanting the wing to grasp the wing's vision and how to harness the 'Square D' way, Jones does not want the history of the 100th ARW to be forgotten.
"Know the 'Bloody Hundredth' Heritage and be proud that you are part of such a great and heralded organization," Jones said. "Know that strength, innovative spirit, resilience and guts embody the 'Square-D' way."

Enforcing and living the values on which the Air Force was founded, and to continually earn a place in the Air Force is something every Airman should strive for every day.

"Most of all, know that performing your duties with excellence keeps the 100th ARW strong, keeps our Air Force strong and keeps our great nation strong," Jones said.
"Embrace this awesome responsibility entrusted to you, wear it as a badge of honor and earn the privilege to wear the U.S. Air Force uniform every day you put it on."

There is a set of expectations all Airmen need to adhere to. Jones hopes to work with Airmen who continue to strive for the best total person they can be.

"I expect them to be good citizens," Jones said, "I expect them to treat people with respect, no matter what their rank, race or ethnic background is. I expect them to do their part. Earn your stripes every day you put on that uniform."

As for NCOs and senior NCOs, the same level of commitment to excellence is expected, but with more developed leadership skills and the added responsibility of looking after Airmen.

"The most important aspect of an NCO is to have credibility with their Airmen," Jones said. "If you have credibility, your Airmen will follow you.

"Most of all, what we need from senior NCOs is (for them) to get involved with their Airmen," Jones said, "Get in their business to know their Airmen."

Jones comes into the position of command chief not wanting to make decisions on any preconceived notions, but rather bringing an open mind to the position. Wanting to know the real concerns regarding the Airmen and mission is his true goal.

"I didn't come into this job with any kind of agenda," Jones said, "If I did, I wouldn't know what the real issues were."

"So far, I've seen great things," Jones said. "After I meet with all the organizations and units, then I can get a good idea of what we need to work on."
One of the chief's biggest pieces of advice, and a principle he lives by, is to take on the hardest roles.

"Don't be afraid to take the tough jobs," Jones said. "There's no easy way to be successful; but if you're willing to work hard, take the tough jobs, and take care of your people while you're doing it, then you can be successful."

While new to the base, Jones is committed to Team Mildenhall and has its best interests in mind. He will assess the base and make recommendations to the commander on what he thinks is best for the installation and the mission.

"I'm here to ensure (Team Mildenhall's) quality of life, and to do whatever I can to help accomplish the mission more effectively and efficiently," Jones said.