BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- "A limit on what you WILL do puts a limit on what you CAN do.” - Anonymous
As you may have heard, I am headed back to the Pentagon to serve as the Deputy Director for Reserve Personnel (AF/REP). As I head east, I’m pleased to report that the reins of HQ RIO will be placed in the capable hands of Col. Carolyn Stickell, the current IMA to the ARPC vice commander. I know that the HQ RIO, Detachment, and Operating Location staffs will continue to mature under her leadership and will achieve even more in their efforts to support you, the Individual Reservist, and the rest of our customers.
As I prepared for this move, I’ve heard the question: “What—you’re headed BACK to the Pentagon, are you crazy?” As I contemplate my answer, I think back to other times I’ve moved from one opportunity to the next in both my military and civilian careers. During those times, I remember folks asking me: “Why are you leaving this division and heading to that one? They’re not profitable—it’ll be a career killer!”; or “Why are you leaving your civilian career to go back to the Air Force full time?”; and a revised version of the question above, “Why are you heading to the Pentagon? I would never go there!”
Every time I’m asked these questions, I stop and reevaluate my decision to press forward with the opportunity. I think about how much I’ve learned and grown from the previous job, and I remind myself not to be too risk averse in making my decision. Now that I’m preparing to PCS again, maybe I am a bit crazy, but the Air Force Reserve is giving me another opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on our Air Force. How can I say “no” to that? So, I would ask you, as opportunities present themselves, not to put a limit on what you WILL do. Take a second or two and consider all of the pros and cons before you decide—you will be amazed at what you CAN do!
In closing, I can’t thank you enough for the help and dedication you’ve given to me and the HQ RIO/Readiness Management Group team over the past two years as we’ve gone through all of this transition. If I’ve learned anything from my tenure as the commander of HQ RIO, it’s that IMA truly stands for “I’m Amazing!" Please take care, stay safe, and I look forward to working with you in the future--Keep it RIO!