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New leader associated with Scott serves from afar

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  

Lt. Col. William Freeman, 375th Operations Group Detachment 1 commander, assumed command July 8.  Det. 1, located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City, operates two uniquely-equipped NC-21A Learjets alongside the FAA's fleet of Challenger 600-series aircraft. Det. 1's NC-21 mission supports USAF capability of unrestricted, worldwide deployment and employment through test and evaluation of emerging navigation, communication, surveillance, cockpit display and landing systems. Its Combat Flight Inspection mission supports the core competency of global reach and power through contingency flight inspection of airfield navigation and instrument landing systems, radars, and instrument procedures.

 

Freeman said his favorite part of being a commander is molding and guiding his team to not only ensure mission success, but to ensure their personal goals are met as well.

 

"Nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing my Airmen attain goals they never thought possible, whether it be military or personal," he said. "If I can be a mentor or assist in that endeavor, even better."

 

Q: What led you to joining the Air Force?

 

A: I joined the Air Force in 1991, right at the end of the Gulf War. Coming from a small town in Oklahoma, I wanted an opportunity to see the world and provide for my family. The Air Force was the perfect fit, and has been nothing short of amazing ever since.

 

Q: What is your favorite Air Force memory?

 

A: Over the course of more than 21 years, I have literally been around the world. I started my Air Force career as an enlisted Airman and then went on to commission in 1998. I have truly had some unforgettable memories throughout my career. I think the highlight of my career came during missions I flew into Iraq and Afghanistan, while carrying soldiers into battle. To actually see and know these soldiers were leaving families behind to fight for the freedom for people they didn't even know was truly awe inspiring. It was during those moments that led to a greater appreciation of the job I was assigned to do and a deeper respect for all our brothers and sisters in arms.

 

Q: What is your leadership philosophy?

 

A: My leadership philosophy is very simple: Work hard, always do your very best, and most of all, take care of your people. I think the late Zig Ziglar said it best, "You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want."

 

Q: What can your Airmen expect from you?

 

A: The men and women of the 375th OG, detachment 1 can expect that I will always give them 100 percent. I look forward to walking through the detachment doors every single day to provide them the best leadership, guidance and support possible. They can also expect we will continue building on a brand unlike any other unit in the Air Force and that our combat flight inspection, under my direction, will remain razor sharp and laser focused in providing the best mission-set possible to our nation and its allies.

 

Q: What advice do you have for those under your leadership?

 

A: My advice is to remain focused on your duties, to keep striving and reaching for your personal goals, and to never give up. The military, such as life, often throws us "curveballs;" it's how we react to and overcome those "curveballs" that ultimately defines us. A military career will be over before you know it; each day is your day and your chance to make a difference. Make your time count!

 

Q: What do you look forward to during your command?

 

A: I look forward to seeing my team grow and flourish. I look forward to seeing where our paths take us and the roads we'll take to get there. I want to look back at the end of my tenure and say, "As a team, we made a difference, whether it big or small." I want to know we made a difference and be proud of what we've accomplished.

 

Q: Do you have anything else you would like to add?

 

A: Don't give up on your dreams! You will encounter some rough patches throughout your Air Force career, whether it is a long deployment away from your family and friends or perceived roadblocks to career progression. Keep your head up and keep driving forward, don't listen to the naysayers. If you want it bad enough, you can make it happen. There are an abundant amount of opportunities in the Air Force and there are silver linings in every assignment--you just have to find and make the most out of them.