Meet the new 375th Communications Support Squadron commander Published Sept. 25, 2014 By Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Lt. Col. Stephen Esposito, 375th Communications Support Squadron commander, assumed command July 1. Esposito's leadership philosophy is simple: core values, trust but verify, innovation, critical thinking and positive attitudes. "Less than 0.5 percent of the population currently serves in the military," said Esposito. "Being a member of the military is a highly regarded job to the public. That high regard is only maintained with strict adherence to our core values. As leaders, we must trust what we see and hear, but verify information to ensure we maintain our core values. Innovation, critical thinking and positive attitude are the principles that keep the Air Force ahead of all other air forces in the world." Q: What led you to joining the Air Force? A: I joined the Air Force in 1990 looking for an education. I started off as an Airman basic in the allied trades Air Force Specialty Code. After eight and a half years of service, while completing my bachelor's degree, I submitted my officer training school package. I was selected for OTS in 1999. I currently hold two master's degrees, two bachelor's degrees and an associate degree. Q: What is your favorite Air Force memory? A: While I was deployed in southern Iraq, the base's personnel would regularly go outside the wire to provide food for the Bedouins surrounding the base. I was fortunate to be on one of those trips. We brought food, water, shoes, and even toys for the kids. After providing some food, water, and a soccer ball to one particular teenager in the village he gifted me his donkey. He insisted I take his donkey as a trade for my gifts to him. I tried several times to give back the donkey. The only thing that saved me was the fact that we had no way of transporting the donkey; otherwise, I think it would be in my backyard today. Q: What can the 375th Communications Support Squadron Airmen expect from you? A: The Airmen can expect a commander that is open-minded and willing to listen to all ideas. I'm not the smartest guy in the unit, so I want an environment where anyone can freely speak about ideas to improve the unit. I like seeing the mission being performed, so I enjoy the principle of "leadership by walking around." I feel it's important to put eyes on everyone, so I'm available for anyone to voice questions or concerns. I also want to ensure everyone has a safe work environment and that we have the resources needed to accomplish the mission. Q: What is your favorite part of being a commander? A: I enjoy the ability to interact where the "rubber meets the road." As the Air Force becomes more agile the bar is being set higher and higher. Airmen (military, civilian and contractors) today are easily meeting and exceeding the standard, innovating with new ideas, and saving money to accomplish the mission with less people. This is done with a smile on their face and I am proud to be a part of the team, who makes the mission flawlessly happen every day. Q: What advice do you have for those under your leadership? A: Communicate with your supervisor to know their expectations, and then exceed them. Asking your supervisor for direct feedback is the easiest way to know how well you are performing and what areas may need more concentration. Know your supervisor's objectives and goals that they set for you. Accomplish those goals, then go back and ask for more. Q: What do you look forward to during your command? A: I want to learn something about everyone in the squadron, from their child's favorite color to their favorite hobby and personal goals. People are our most important resource, and I feel it's important to know and care for all Airmen.