Question and answer with Beale's new command chief

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bobby Cummings
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Beale recently welcomed Chief Master Sgt. Randy Kwiatkowski, 9th Reconnaissance Wing command chief. Kwiatkowski was previously assigned as the 51st Operations Group superintendent, 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.

Chief Kwiatkowski enlisted in the Air Force in 1993. He is a native of Overton, Neb. His first assignment was with the 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., where he served as an aviation resource manager. He has deployed eight times to various locations around the globe, including the Middle East.

Kwiatkowski is the father of two children, and is married to his wife Stacey Kwiatkowski.

(Below is a question and answer segment conducted with Chief Kwiatkowski on Feb. 17, 2015)

What has been your favorite assignment during your career? "Every assignment I've had helped shape who I am today. It would be unfair for me to select one because I have learned from great leaders, and been part of great teams everywhere I've served."

What was your key point you wanted to get across during your recent all calls? "I wanted to ensure our Airmen understand the direction the Air Force is going and the types of leaders we need to get there. I was very adamant and focused on my expectations for today's leaders. The main focus for any leader in the Air Force is to develop more leaders in a culture fused with dignity and respect."

Do you have a favorite sport and any favorite sports team(s)? "My favorite sport is college football, and I'm a Nebraska Cornhusker's fan."

What is the proudest moment of your career or life? "The day was Feb. 21, 1997, and it was the day I married my wife, Stacey."

In your opinion, what defines an American Airman? "An American Airman is one who understands our professional culture and is committed to honoring our core values by aligning their purpose, their cause and their beliefs with those of our institution. Airmen understand the expectation to proudly exhibit the highest levels of professionalism in service to our Nation. Airmen believe in what they do, they are committed to this belief and they willingly embrace what service to our Nation exemplifies.  Finally, while it may not be easy to adequately identify all the attributes that make up an American Airmen, it's easy to recognize when these attributes are missing."

What are you most excited about as you come into the command chief position here at Beale? "The opportunity to influence; my passion is to positively influence Airmen. Every day I put on my uniform I am representing every Airman at Beale. I can only hope I live up to their standard."

Were you taken back by the cows when you first got on base? "Not really.  In my hometown of Overton, Nebraska I believe the cattle population outnumber the people population four to one.  Seeing cows graze on the horizon is like a little slice of home."

What do you hope to accomplish while at Beale? "Build upon the phenomenal team that's already here.  I am truly amazed at the passion and level of pride our Airmen have."

What is your favorite movie or television series? "Annually I re-watch the Band of Brothers series. It's a terrific show about extraordinary men and extraordinary leadership."

(This question was submitted from a Beale Facebook page follower)
Do you feel that military members receive adequate training for utilizing social media and recognizing potential threats or vulnerabilities? "Airmen are required to remain current with their annual operational security training. In the past year there have been threats from terrorist organizations such as ISIS on social media, but Air Force leadership has conveyed valuable direction to Airmen on how they can alienate themselves from potential threats. As Airmen we should be mindful of what we post online, and think before we click."

What is your favorite hobby? "Every base I go to I usually gather a few music enthusiasts and develop a country band; typically, I'm a vocalist and a rhythm guitar player.  For some reason, since about 1996 the band's name "Deep River" has stuck, even though the people have changed at every base I've been assigned to.  I've written songs in the past, but the majority of songs we performed over the years were covers of George Strait, Chris LeDoux and Toby Keith."

Any advice or message you want to share with new or junior Airmen? "Understand the Air Force's expectations. Each of our contracts can be found in that little brown book. Also, find a mentor. There is no need to do this alone. Absorb experiences from your mentor, and let those experiences guide your path. Lastly, understand your roles and responsibilities as they pertain to the mission here."