Wolf all call: Be mission ready

by 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

5/27/2015 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  -- The 8th Fighter Wing commander and 8th FW command chief held all calls here May 22 to introduce themselves and their vision to the Wolf Pack.

"I've been waiting over 20 years to be a part of the Wolf Pack, and I'm so excited to be your new Wolf," said Col. Jeremy "Wolf" Sloane, 8th FW commander. "This base has a long, rich history in defending the peninsula, and we will continue serving that mission here together with our ROK allies."

During the all calls, Wolf emphasized how Wolf Pack Airmen need to work together to be ready to fight at a moment's notice.

"You're all part of a team--whether it's at the unit level or the Wolf Pack team itself," he said. "Being part of a successful team means knowing what you bring to the fight and capitalizing on those strengths. It also means knowing the strengths of your fellow Airmen and looking out for each other. Teamwork makes a sharp, combat-ready unit."

Chief Master Sgt. Daniel "Wolf Chief" Simpson, 8th FW command chief, echoed Wolf's sentiments, stressing how combat readiness depends on accountability, ultimate respect for one another and strengthening relationships.

"Take care of yourselves and each other," said Wolf Chief. "This could be the team you go to war with someday."

In addition to maintaining constant mission readiness, Wolf expressed how important it is for Airmen to stay connected with their families back home.

"I married my high school sweetheart 21 years ago," he said. "Since then, we've been blessed with twin boys, and I miss them all very much. This is a demanding assignment, and I'm going to stay connected with my family. Make sure you are staying connected to your loved ones."

Kunsan's specific mission of defending the peninsula requires each Airman to be a leader.

Wolf challenged each person to focus on instilling core values and continuing an enduring culture of dignity and respect within the Wolf Pack.

"Leadership occurs at all levels," he said. "We need to empower those under us, lead at our peer level and expect those above us to lead as well. Be that example to follow--not just to build Airmen today, but leaders 20 years down the road."

Wolf Chief added that practicing good leadership starts with taking ownership of one's sphere of influence, both on and off duty.

"Set standards in your own duty areas and enforce them," he said. "Keep yourself physically and technically fit. Finally, take care of this base like you own it."

Wolf reminded Airmen that all of their efforts make the 8th FW ready to ensure peace and stability on the peninsula as one sharp, lethal Pack.

"Our mission is to make sure all the lights in Seoul and to the south stay lit," said Wolf. "And one day, we hope the lights in the north will turn on too."