Commander's Presidents Day message

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Glen D. VanHerck
  • 509th Bomb Wing commander
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  At Whiteman we are, and must continue to be, committed to developing Airmen leaders across all levels. After all, the number one job of a leader is to grow more leaders!

Inspired Airmen leaders build confidence throughout our team and enable us to not only persevere through adversity, but also to tackle tough challenges.

Leaders have vision - they know what needs to be done and they do it! Leaders plan, execute and follow through to the finish line. Leaders don't do this for themselves or for accolades; the actions that true leaders take are done for others and for the greater good. This month we celebrate two leaders, great Americans who personified this type of inspired leadership: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

February marks the birth of these two legendary leaders - one who founded this country and the other who prevented it from being torn apart. Presidents Washington and Lincoln embodied the American spirit. They were known for their honesty, their integrity and for their character.

In service to America, they made countless sacrifices and they bore those burdens so future generations wouldn't have to. Their moral fiber wouldn't allow them to turn away from struggles or injustices they knew to be wrong. I hope that we all strive to conduct ourselves in the manner of these two great leaders.

As we honor these two leaders this holiday weekend, think of Monday as much more than just time off - think of it as time well spent. This should be a weekend of camaraderie and fellowship. It is an opportunity to reflect upon the passion and the determination of Washington and Lincoln -- let their contributions to history ignite inside you a renewed sense of purpose as Airmen, Americans and leaders!

Enjoy this weekend. Be safe and be responsible. Watch out for one another and remember that what you and your families do for our great nation does not go unnoticed. Thank you all for what you do, for the sacrifices you make each and every day and for your continued commitment going forward.