Strength in teamwork can bring great things

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Stephen C. Bailey
  • 301st Fighter Wing
NAVAL AIR STATION JOINT RESERVE BASE FORT WORTH, Texas --  As we all viewed the horrific events of Sept. 11 from national newscasts, many of us sat almost frozen, even numb, as to what we could do to help. But as Col. Kevin Pottinger, 301st FW commander, remembers - the answer for him was an easy one.
 
"I knew I had to do something, but being retired from the military and working for the airlines, I was resolved to fly as many flights that I could so that the terrorists could not accomplish what they had set out to do - cause chaos while trying to bring down this country." 

But his efforts to help the crisis didn't stop there. He made a request to go back into the Air Force Reserve and within six months he was back to serving his country, flying the F-16. 

Now as the 301st FW Commander, a dream he describes as one that literally has come true, Colonel Pottinger credits this opportunity with genuine thankfulness to those who have supported him throughout the years. "My family has been with me every step of the way ... especially my wife Anne.  Anne has been an accountant and now is a teacher. I feel she has put aside her own professional career to support me and raise our children and I respect her for that very much." 

As wing commander, Colonel Pottinger now embarks on what he describes as 'leading the best fighter wing in the Air Force' envisioning greater opportunities and continued successes. The highest priority will be the wing getting ready for the AEF in May 2007 where the 301st and the 482nd FW will deploy with 12 F-16 aircraft. "This preparation will be our primary focus. We are ready for the task, but mainly we need to streamline our training to ensure everything is done right to accomplish this world-wide mission," the colonel said. 

Known as someone who is not afraid to take on a task, Colonel Pottinger's reputation precedes him as a definite 'go-getter.' Maj. Gen. Richard Collins, 10th AF commander, said, 'many times 'Potts' would be faced with a task and I knew it would get done no matter what.'
 
Depicting himself as someone willing to step up to the plate, the colonel always tries to get the most out of the people he works with. A definite team player, Colonel Pottinger works to always give 100 percent to every task while at the same time motivating and empowering the people who work for and with him.
 
"I'm a positive person who tries to get the best results at what I do. I'm excited to be at the 301st and see nothing but great opportunities ahead. After I talk with my commanders and explain what I want to see in the way of treating our people and in creating a positive work environment, if there are any outstanding morale issues, in six months, I hope to reduce or better yet eliminate them." 

A greater sense of team work through team building seems to center on Col Pottinger's main goals of accomplishing while with the 301st FW. "I believe there is strength in team work and if we can continue to build upon this principle, then I believe the 301st will continue to shine as the best wing in our command."