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Q&A with new Logistics Readiness Squadron commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Maj. Karen Rupp recently assumed command of the 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Each new commander brings something unique with them to Team Scott. Rupp said her favorite part of being a commander is the opportunity to work alongside "amazing Airmen and to watch them grow and develop into tomorrow's leaders."

Q: What led you to joining the Air Force?

A: Like many others, initially I joined for the GI Bill. With hopes of finishing college and going on to law school, I knew it wasn't something I could accomplish financially with a part-time job at home. So I enlisted for four years and quickly fell in love with the military. I realized the opportunity to serve our country and be part of an amazing team was what I wanted. I haven't looked back since.

Q: What is your favorite Air Force memory?

A: I have so many great memories through the years. I suppose if I had to choose just one, it would be the most recent one when I went to St. Louis and administered the Oath of Enlistment to my oldest son as he joined the Air Force. It was an amazing opportunity and clearly something I will never forget.

Q: What is your leadership philosophy?

A: I believe that if you take care of the people, in turn, they will take care of the mission. I believe in the culture of serving those you lead by allowing a distribution of power and responsibility to allow Airmen to make the decisions, seeing things through the eyes of those you lead, putting yourself in others' shoes and keeping the well-being of fellow Airmen in mind.

Q: What can the 375th LRS Airmen expect from you?

A: The squadron can expect open and honest communication. I will strive to provide the tools and training required so that our Airmen can continue to accomplish the mission. I will provide guidance and feedback and make every effort to be personable and approachable. My job is to build a strong, supportive culture and environment that leverages the technical expertise in this Squadron, the creativity of innovative minds, the motivation of the best Airmen, while maximizing the effect of limited resources to accomplish the mission safely and reliably, 'anytime and anywhere.'

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

A: My advice is to give 100 percent every day while keeping safety in mind in everything we do. Stay focused, have a positive attitude, and work as a team, not as an individual. Continue to treat one another with respect and dignity. Finally, to have fun and continue to enjoy what you do to serve this great country.

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

A: I look forward to the opportunity to get to know the Airmen and their families. Additionally, to watch the Airmen succeed in accomplishing the mission as we transition through of a time of reduced manpower due to force management cuts and deployments. Finally, to continue to provide first-rate logistics readiness and munitions support to Team Scott.