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Ramstein servicemembers welcomed the new 86th Airlift Wing command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Vernon Butler, Nov. 13.
Chief Butler will take the lead as principle adviser to 86th AW and KMC Commander Brig. Gen. Mark Dillon with regards to the morale, welfare, discipline, training, fitness and effective utilization of the wing’s 4,600 enlisted personnel assigned to six groups and 29 squadrons across three bases in Germany, Spain and Belgium and more than 57,000 KMC joint community members.
Chief Butler grew up in a proud Air Force family of six, with his father having served more than 20 years in the Air Force. His family still calls Hampton, Va., home. He enlisted in the Air Force in July 1983 as a Telephone Data Circuitry Installation and Repair technician, or 362X4.
Recently, public affairs sat down with him to discuss his views on today’s Air Force mission, and what some of his goals are as the 86th AW command chief.
What are some of the most important priorities and goals you plan to achieve over the next couple of years?
My goals are one and the same as General Dillon’s. Everyone should continue to build on the wing’s excellent reputation, know their mission and clearly understand how that mission contributes to the overall success of the wing. Be the benchmark for safe combat air mobility operations with discipline a must in our approach to safety. Be visionary and train for future missions, develop new tactics, look for ways to improve, lean forward and never fear failure. Do whatever is necessary to care for our people and their families as they deserve nothing less. And strive to be fit with active minds, care for our bodies and take time for ourselves.
In your command chief position, how are you going to influence team Ramstein?
My plan is to emphasize, build and foster relationships. We usually do a great job with those relationships within our circle.
I want us all to get out of our circles, increase our understanding and appreciation of what all of our team mates bring to the fight. I feel getting to know others’ missions and capabilities will make us all better informed and foster positive relationships.
Do you have any recommendations on success for young Airmen?
Meet and, if possible, exceed the standards. Know and complete your assigned duties to the best of your abilities. Hold yourself and your peers accountable and when you supervise, hold your subordinates accountable for their actions … good and bad. Find a mentor and truly listen to what they have to say. Be involved with activities in the wing and in the local community – be that whole person. Don’t forget that when you work hard it’s okay to have a fun, but never forget our Core Values.
Are there any instances in your past that have helped mold you into the person you are today?
A feedback session stands out in my mind from my supervisor back when I was a young staff sergeant, not taking anything seriously. He asked me what my future plans were and I replied “to make chief in 20 years.” He showed me on a timeline how, if I did not change my ways, making chief would be impossible not to mention making chief in 20 years. That feedback session really opened my eyes. Needless to say I changed my ways. I didn’t make chief in 20 years, but I got two shots at it before I reached the 20 year point.
How do you see Ramstein’s role in the sphere of Air Force influence?
I would guess that our role will become even more critical with the increased military personnel headed to Afghanistan. I think just about everything passes through here is headed to the area of responsibility.
Even though the Year of the Air Force Family is more than half over, what ways do you plan to continue support of the Ramstein Air Force Family?
I feel the most important thing I can do is to highlight the outstanding programs that we already have in place. Getting the word out and reminding our folks that there are resources available will go a long way.
How did growing up in a proud Air Force family influence your Air Force career path and the decisions you’ve made and will make?
My father served 22 years in the Air Force, 1950 to 1974, with a two-year break after his first enlistment. My mom stayed at home and took care of me, my brother and sisters. He worked in the fire department and I just remember how dedicated he was and how proud I felt as a little kid when he drove to the house in the fire chief’s truck.
Although I only remember him leaving us twice, to go to Vietnam and Korea, he actually served a few unaccompanied tours and mom held down the fort.
My mother and father are my heroes. He retired as a staff sergeant and although I felt he could have been a chief, he opened countless doors and provided many opportunities for me following in his footsteps. As I studied the history chapter in the Professional Development Guide, it was exciting knowing my father lived that piece of history. Everything that I have achieved is because of my mother and father’s examples of integrity, hard work and caring.
