October Chief's Concerns Published Sept. 27, 2012 By Chief Master Sgt. Mark Craps 245th Air Traffic Control Squadron MCENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, South Carolina -- Many of you may have heard of the Chief's Council but I was wondering if our wing members actually know what the council is all about? As a member of the Chief's Council, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you, about the council and its purpose. The purpose of the council is to serve as an advisory council to the Wing, Group, and Squadron commanders in all matters impacting enlisted members of the 169th Fighter Wing. The Chief's Council cannot remove an Air Force program or procedure, but we can try to minimize the impact on the organization by recommending positive ways forward. The Chief's Council should "Provide leadership and oversight of enlisted issues, plus promote the welfare of and programs for enlisted personnel on McEntire Joint National Guard Base." Simply stated, the Chief's Council is the conduit for raising concerns to the commanders' level. If an Airman has a concern or issue and feels it needs to be elevated, then it is highly encouraged that the individual contact their respective Chief or a Chief's Council Board Member. The selected Chief will, in turn, bring the concern to the council for discussion. We cannot make a difference if we do not know. Let us be your voice. As Chiefs, it's our obligation and duty to reach back and mentor our guardsmen and future leaders of this wing. The Chiefs need to ensure that the Wing has the leadership to carry out the mission and goals of the S.C. Air National Guard for years to come. Mentorship is the key to achieving this goal. Another objective essential to the Chief's Council is, "To foster the development of diversity, trust, and integrity throughout the 169th Fighter Wing." The Chief's Council mirrors the Wing's philosophy by placing diversity as one of the top priorities for the Wing. The council will continue to support the diversity programs promoted at the Wing. Diversity is the cornerstone to a strong military foundation. As Chiefs, trust and integrity are vitally important. Our word is our bond. Chiefs need to lead by example and ensure trust and integrity at all levels of supervision across the 169th Fighter Wing. Here are a few more objectives that the council strives to promote. - Foster esprit-de-corps - Promote community involvement among members - Promote professionalism and the highest standards of conduct and dress and appearance As you can see, the council strives to foster, promote and give a voice to members of the 169th Fighter Wing. The Chief's Council is committed to making a positive difference to the Wing by providing a platform for members to have a voice. The Chief's Council also requests your input. Please forward your thoughts, concerns and ideas on how the council can improve or enhance the quality of this organization. At the end of the day, it's not the Chief's Council; it is "Your Council."