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New 932nd AW commander leads the team

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Col. Karl E. Goerke assumed command of the 932nd Airlift Wing Sept. 13. The mission of the 932nd AW is to equip, train, and organize a ready force of expeditionary citizen-Airmen to provide and maintain first-class, worldwide, safe, and reliable airlift for our nation's leaders, foreign dignitaries, and their staff in the C-40C aircraft. It is also to provide mission support for base operations and to provide ground and aeromedical care to the war fighter.

Each new commander brings something unique with them to Team Scott. Goerke has been at Scott AFB a little over two years, having arrived in August of 2012. Prior to becoming the 932nd AW Commander, Goerke was the 932nd Operations Group Commander.

Goerke said his favorite part of being a commander is being part of a team.

"I've always been a part of a team, whether it be athletic, community, or Air Force," said Goerke. "I now am a part of a much larger team, a team that really is cumulative of all the teams. I'm humbled to be in a position where I feel I can make a difference."

Goerke joined the Air Force team largely due to the influence of his father and uncle, who both served in the military during World War II.

"My father was in the Navy, and my uncle was in the Army," said Goerke. "I initially wanted to follow my father's tradition with the Navy; however, with further guidance and mentorship from former Buffalo Bills NFL quarterback and New York Congressman, Jack Kemp, I changed my focus to include other military services. Through this meeting, along with advice from my hockey coaches and high school teachers, who were Air Force Reservists and Guardsmen themselves, I was enlightened and intrigued by the Air Force."

Since joining the Air Force, Goerke said he has had many great experiences, encountered wonderful people and developed strong friendships.

"A couple of highlights include my time as an instructor giving back to the Air Force," said Goerke. "[There have been] several humanitarian relief missions, where one minute I [was] watching the news coverage of a tragic event and then being able to deliver assistance to aid in recovery."

Other Air Force memories of his are somber and highlight the realities of military service.

"There are sobering experiences such as bringing home our wounded and fallen warriors. And, I also flew distinguished visitors to the 70th anniversary of D-Day, actually flying over Omaha and Utah Beaches on the morning of June 6 is another favorite memory," said Goerke. "The humbling experience of my change of command in September is also one of my favorite memories. However, these experiences pale in comparison to the amazing people and friendships I've developed over the years."

Goerke now leads the Airmen of the 932nd AW through creating some of their own favorite, humbling, and solemn Air Force experiences. He said his leadership philosophy revolves around teamwork where all participants are valued and appreciated.

He leads by example, he said, with integrity, focus, commitment, courage, and accountability.

"I take former Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi's words to heart," he said. "Lombardi said, 'Individual commitment to a group effort, that is what makes a team work, society work and civilization work.'"

As Airmen, Goerke said, "we need each other for growth, strength, support, and for the future."

Moving into the future, the Airmen of the 932nd can expect a great teammate in Goerke.

"[I] value all members of the team, showing up focused and ready every day," said Goerke. "I will be bold, creative, courageous, transparent, and fair. [I will] stand up for what is right, knowing when to draw the line. I will be a leader and a craftsman, and I will contribute with joy, passion, humor, love, and knowledge."

Goerke has some advice for the Airmen under his leadership.

"I believe you should have a balance in all aspects of your life," he said. "Live each day with courage. Take pride in your work. Always finish what you start. Do what has to be done, and do it well. Be accountable. Keep your promises. Talk less, and say more."

Goerke said, "I'm very grateful for the opportunities I've had. I recognize and appreciate that I can only do what I do because of those around me."