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***image1***Editor’s note: Captain Dorrance recently interviewed Brig. Gen. Bill Bender, 86th Airlift Wing and KMC commander, about becoming a brigadier general.
Where was your ceremony and who pinned on your rank?
I pinned on brigadier general while at the U.S. Air Force Academy for Parents’ Weekend so that I could have my son, Cadet 3rd Class Matt Bender, there and to make it possible for my extended family to be there.
Because we pinned in the States, my mom and dad and three of my brothers were able to attend. My wife, Sue, and children, Matt and Kristin, pinned on my stars, and then I asked my parents to put the new rank on my shirt epaulettes. We had a small gathering of about 50 friends and family, but many of my past assignments were represented by folks in attendance. It was very meaningful for me to have all of the people I have worked for and with throughout my career represented by those attending … especially past command assignments, as a squadron, group and prior wing commander.
Who are your role models?
I have many role models that make up the various different facets of life. So I sort of
partition aspects of my own life and look up to those I respect and admire for the way in which they lead their lives in that particular area.
My dad is my role model, for example, where it comes to being a husband and a father. I’ve had numerous commanders and peers throughout my Air Force career that I’ve admired … a good friend, Col. (ret.) Cesar Rodriguez for his strength of character; a former wing commander of mine, Lt. Gen. Ray Johns for his energy and intelligence; another former wing commander, Col. (ret.) Mike Phillips for his calm demeanor when faced with difficult situations; and a former mentor of mine when I was a wing commander at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., Marijo Shide, for her wit and principled leadership … and many others.
When you were a second lieutenant, did you ever think you would be wearing stars on your shoulders?
I recall setting a goal as a second lieutenant to make colonel and serve out a 30-year Air Force career. I’ve been very fortunate and have been given great opportunities in the jobs I’ve held, the experiences I had and the people I’ve met and learned from over the past 25 years.
All of these things have contributed to the patchwork of my career. So while I never thought about becoming a general officer as a goal, I feel confident and prepared to wear stars on my shoulders, and to accept the added authority and responsibility they represent.
Do you have any guidance to pass on regarding achieving rank in the U.S. Air Force?
There isn’t any new advice … only what I believe helped me to advance in the Air Force. First and foremost is to be the very best you can be at whatever job you’re given. It doesn’t matter as much that you are the best, as it does that you’re always willing to try your very hardest to be the best … the point is that attitude really
matters and is a huge asset throughout your career. I always recommend the importance of pursuing new opportunities and experiences in the jobs you hold and the missions you get involved in … the idea is to broaden yourself when and where you get an opportunity.
Also, I think it’s important to realize that the Air Force is a
people business … it’s about Airmen and their families and about the people who work with and for you. I’ve always tried to be as generous with my time and my energy when it comes to people-related things. It may sound quaint, but it’s true … nobody remembers what you say or what you do, but they always remember how you made them feel.
Was there any specific training you had to take to prepare you to transition from a colonel to a brigadier general?
I’ve attended a number of executive and senior leadership courses over the past
couple of years that are the equivalent of continuing education for Air Force senior officers.
Recently, I attended a two-week course known as Senior Leaders Orientation Course, which is specifically designed to orient new active, guard and reserve brigadier generals, along with our Senior Executive Service civilian counter-parts, in their added roles and responsibilities.
I’m convinced the best training anyone gets is experience and on-the-job training. That is to say, I believe I’ve learned more about how to be a successful brigadier general by watching and observing other leaders and senior officers I’ve met and been exposed to throughout my career.
As commander of the 86th Airlift Wing and the KMC, what are your goals?
I have five goals: 1) Continue to build on the wing’s excellent reputation; 2) Be the benchmark for safety combat air mobility operations; 3) Be visionary; 4) Do whatever is necessary to care for our people and their families; and 5) Be fit.
Is there a quote or motto that inspires you?
There’s no limit to the good you can do as long as you don’t care who gets the credit.
