Commander addresses Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Melanie Holochwost
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 56th Fighter Wing commander began his third week in charge with a series of commander's calls in the Luke Air Force Base Fitness Center Monday and Wednesday

Brig. Gen. J.D. Harris said the wing is doing very well, and he's not going to change anything just yet. But, he mentioned a few of his priorities, which include DUI prevention, fitness, cleanliness and fixing problems.

One of General Harris's biggest priorities is DUI prevention and safety.

"In 2006, I lost one of my sons to a drunk driver," he said. "He was a college freshman enrolled in Reserve Officer Training Corps. So, I will be implementing a new policy soon: if you get a DUI, you will be meeting with me. I'm not looking to punish you, but I want to show you the other side. I will tell you the consequences of killing someone and how it will affect their family members."

General Harris advised Airmen to weigh risks properly and find balance in their lives.

"For example, if the risk is 100 to one, with 1 percent of the time being the loss of life, the risk is probably never worth it," he said.

"Don't walk past a problem," General Harris said. "If you see a problem, take care of it. Don't pass it up or down the chain. For example, if someone doesn't salute me, and I know they saw me, I will address them about it immediately. I'm not going to write down their name and tell their supervisor about it."

Fitness is also important to General Harris.

"Everyone should be fit to fight," he said. "If you score below a 90 percent on your physical fitness test, you are in the bottom half of the Air Force. Personally, I think the fitness test is too easy. I would love to go a quarter without a failure, and I would like at least half of Luke Airmen to score a 90 percent or better."

As for cleanliness, General Harris said he gave the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron some extra funds to start the "Green Team."

"The Green Team will consist of civilians who will clean up the base," he said. "But, I still want everyone to help. So, if you see a piece of trash, pick it up. I will be doing the same."

Also, General Harris said balance can be tough.

"It's hard to find the perfect balance between work, sleep and fun," he said. "But, make sure you take the time to have down time."

As for his leadership strategy, General Harris said his goal is to become a servant-leader.

"I want to lead by example," he said in response to a question from the audience. "I'd prefer to be informal rather than formal. If you see me around base, don't be afraid to talk to me."