Gen. Harris shares insights during 934 AW visit

  • Published
  • By Capt. William-Joseph Mojica
  • 934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL AIR RESERVE STATION --   Maj. Gen. Stayce D. Harris, 22nd Air Force commander, shared her insight from visiting the wings under her command along with her goals and her key to success during an interview here with the Global Vikings.

Since taking command in July 2014, Harris has traveled throughout her wings listening to what her Airmen encounter.

"One of the major challenges that our Airmen are facing has to do with wanting to get hands-on training," she explained.  "Our Airmen are so enthusiastic about working for the Reserve and in their AFSC's and we want to be able to free them up so they do have that time."  

To help Airmen put more time into hands-on training, Harris would like to make more time available to them.

"I want to enable our Airmen as much as possible to accomplish their job which means freeing up ancillary training so that they can get hands-on time," she said.  "The recent announcement of the Expeditionary Readiness Program (ERP) will result in pre-deployment training being accomplished in 36-month cycles, aligned with the AEF battle rhythm and will reduce an Airman's pre-deployment training time by more than 50 percent. This is a step in the right direction!"

When it comes to accomplishing goals, Harris suggests that perseverance is essential.

"For airmen who are looking to achieve their goals in the Air Force Reserve or in any specialty, my opinion has always been persistence pays off," she indicated.  "Ensure that you are well prepared for the opportunities that you want to seek out, get the job done well and continue to  persist towards your goals. Don't accept 'no' for an answer!  Persistence does payoff!"

Harris also touched on the passion that the 934th leadership displays towards their Airmen.

"One thing I learned just from being here at the 934th was that your leadership, your chiefs, and your first sergeants are so passionate about wanting to get to know their Airmen," she said smiling.  "They want to get to know their Airmen because we embrace that sense of community, that those of us who have been in the Air Force Reserve for so long have always been so proud about."

With more than 30 years of service, Harris gives credit to her father as her reason for joining the Air Force.

"When I joined the Air Force I joined because I wanted to be just like my dad," she said. "My dad was enlisted in the Air Force and back then I didn't know what my dad did but I knew that he wore a light blue shirt and dark blue pants and every two years we moved to what I thought was a new and exciting place.  Then when I entered Junior ROTC I learned what it meant to become not only a good citizen but also to become an Airman.  That's where my passion was formed so I'm glad that I was able to follow in my father's footsteps."

As a Reservist, Harris understands the importance of being in the military while also having a civilian career.

"It's a delicate balancing act to be able to balance the reserve, and your employer, and education, and the family, and I think every person does it differently," she explained.  "I don't know if I have the perfect solution but what I try to do is take quality time out for myself so that I can re-center.  It's also important to be passionate about and really enjoy what you're doing and that's helps with finding the balance."

Impressed with the men and women of the 934th, Harris created her own nickname for the Global Vikings.

"I have absolutely enjoyed my visit to the 934th and I call them my 'Vocal Vikings' with a lot of compassion because the 934th cares about the Airmen.  I have been especially pleased
that when I asked about any concerns, people spoke up vocally," she explained.  "I'm here as a numbered air force commander to be able to advocate for them on their behalf.  Additionally, when I asked about the success of the organization, voices resounded even louder."

The success of the wing speaks for itself.

"This is a wonderful organization!  To be the only Air Force Reserve unit that received a 'Highly Effective' on our new capstone inspection process is incredible," she said.  "To be the only Air Force Reserve organization that has won the Airman and Family Readiness Defense Department award just speaks volume.  The accomplishments of the wing just go on and on and on because of the success of the 934th and how well they take care of their Airmen.  It makes me very proud!"