Wing welcomes new vice commander Published June 7, 2014 By Senior Airman Christina Norris 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- The 94th Airlift Wing would like to welcome its new vice commander, Col. Brent Merritt. He dove headfirst into the job learning as much as possible about the mission and people who make it happen. Among other items, Merritt discusses his goals for the wing, how to balance both military and civilian family, and the importance of empowering his wingmen. What brought you to Dobbins Air Reserve Base? I was promoted to colonel in January. You can say I was, "promoted out of a job." I live in Peachtree City, so I saw this as a unique opportunity to serve globally and live locally. I've never been able to do that during the last 15 years my Reserve career. I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of C-130 tactical airlift mission, which is such a big part of what Air Force Reserve Command is about. Also, the interaction with our joint mission partners will be a career broadening experience. There are also a lot of great people here. For those reasons I threw my name in the hat and was fortunate to get selected. Why did you join the Air Force? My parents instilled the Air Force core values in me: integrity and service and excellence. They stressed the importance of telling the truth, serving something that's greater than yourself, have pride in your country and being the best that you can. I believe when you have an up bringing like that, it can lead you to join the Air Force, or another branch of the military. I was fortunate enough to attend the Air Force Academy in 1986, and I served on active duty for 9 and a half years. Afterwards, I wanted a little more stability for my family, so I decided to join the Reserve. It's great, and you have the freedom so serve as you see fit. What do you hope to accomplish at Dobbins? Successful transformation. The Air Force Reserve is changing. We've had 12 years of constant war. The next big hurtles will be budgetary issues, and what they hold for AFRC units. There's a new inspector's program that I experienced at my former unit [Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina]. More of the inspections were relying on our wing; how we measure ourselves in the execution of our mission, leading people and managing resources. We must be accountable. I look forward to making that transition. What are some challenges you've faced during your Air Force career? Balancing-I think every Reservist experiences that. Balancing their civilian job and then family and then being able to be relevant here. As you progress in rank it's more than a one weekend a month job. You have to be plugged in, in order to be that good total force partner. That's really where we're going. The Air Force Reserve is a huge part of the total force structure. Active duty is relying more and more on the guard and reserve. What are some of your proudest achievements? I served on an assignment bringing fallen service members home, who lost their lives in service for their country. I'd say that's my proudest achievement. Second, I've had the opportunity to empower people, allow them to display their talents and set them up for success. Last, I've been fortunate to be a part of the many improvements to the C-17 aircraft weapons system, and the overall success of the program. Being in a position to help people trumps any achievement or award. What are some key lessons you've learned in the Air Force over the years? Always remember the place you were at when you first started. Remember the good things, the good leaders, and not-so-good things and leaders. Remember the people who helped you, and pass that along. If there was a piece of advice you could give a fellow wingman, what would it be? Exhibit the core values of the Air Force. I think out of all the services, we really have it right, as far as integrity, service and excellence. I have a southern version of the core values: don't be lyin', always keep tryin' and it's about "we", not me. As and I said before, it's about empowerment. The Air Force has talented people. Allow them to exhibit those talents and empower them. That's my overall philosophy. Is there any one thing that you would like everyone to know about you? I love our country. I love the Air Force, and I feel a great pride and ownership in both of those. Is there anything else you would like to add, colonel? I think that with everything tarring us in different directions as a Reservist, priorities are important. Mine are faith first of all, whatever your faith, I think there is a lot of goodness that comes in that, and that keeps you centered. Your family would be next in making sure that you're ready and able to serve, and you're able to take care of them. I feel that my family has extended to over 1,500 people. Someone in my immediate family might not need my attention and someone in my Dobbins family might need my attention, so I don't feel bad when I need take care of them, and vice versa. Third, whatever your job, do it to the best of your ability and give 100 percent. Even though it's a part time job, when you're here, give it your best effort. I think if you keep those priorities in line, they will guide your actions.
