Wing vice commander reflects on tenure Published March 4, 2014 By Senior Airman Elizabeth Van Patten 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Col. Richard Kemble served as the 94th Airlift Wing vice commander from Aug. 15, 2010 to Feb. 28, 2014. Arriving at a critical time for the wing and Air Force Reserve, he has seen and led others through many changes. He reflects on his three and a half year tenure: What brought you to the 94th AW? I received a phone call from Col. Tim Tarchick, former 94th AW commander, while serving as the state emergency preparedness liaison for U.S. Northern Command. He was looking for a vice commander, and asked me to interview. It was an opportunity to take on a leadership position that I wasn't afforded previously. I went through the interview process and was selected. I couldn't be happier with the move. It's been a wonderful time. What have been some of the challenges you've faced here at the 94th AW? First, I didn't know how I was going to fit into the 94th AW family. Colonel Tarchick was very accommodating in allowing me to take on things I wanted to do in addition to my duties. That helped me get the lay of the land and begin understanding the people in the organization. My biggest challenge was getting people to understand change is necessary. It's a certainty that things change, though not all for the best. However, I believe change is what you make of it. You can either embrace change and take it head on, or you can fight change. Eventually, change is going to win. I prefer to be proactive and shape the change. What accomplishments will you take with you from the 94th AW? Being the vice commander has been a huge honor. Dobbins' members have been phenomenal. I enjoyed the Deserving Airman Commissioning Board and helping Airmen accomplish greater achievements for themselves and the Air Force Reserve. You recently deployed to Southwest Asia. What did you do there? My deployment was in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Resolute Support. I deployed for four months as the deputy director of mobility forces, which is the mobility subject-matter expert for Air Force Central Command and U.S. Central Command. What will be your next assignment upon leaving the 94th AW? I'm headed to U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. I will be the chief of the Deployment Distribution Operations Center. The DDOC validates and prioritizes the method to move equipment for the services. How do you feel about leaving Dobbins Air Reserve Base? I am sad. I did not want to leave, but three years is all the command would probably let someone stay, unless they have plans to retire. It has not been determined that I have to retire yet. Right now, I have five years left. Kemble's name has recently appeared on the brigadier general-select list, and he has hopes that he will continue on to be groomed to hold a general officer position. What are your thoughts regarding your potential promotion to Brigadier General? In the Reserve, you have to be in a job position that is designated as a one-star billet before you can put on the rank. Typically, you won't be put directly in a billet when you come out on the list. You will be placed in a grooming position. This job affords me that opportunity, and if the leadership agrees, I'll have the opportunity to put on the rank. Just being on the list is a huge accomplishment and a tremendous honor. I've already had a great career. I love the Air Force. I love the Air Force Reserve. I could retire tomorrow a happy man. What advice do you have for newcomers to the Air Force Reserve and to the wing? Your career is what you make of it. All too often we like to blame our shortcomings, or our lack of opportunities on things that are outside of our control. When preparation and opportunity come together, that's when things happen, like the DAC Program. I tell all my officers, in order to get to the next level, you need to already at be the next level. You need to be it today, so that you are ready for tomorrow. For someone new to the wing, come in and treat this wing much like your extended family. We don't always like everyone, but they are still family. We all should be contributing to the team effort. Anything else you would like to add, sir? To the men, women, and families of the 94th AW, the Georgia volunteers, Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle once said, "There's nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer." As I reflect over the past three and a half years, I think of all of those who are no longer with us; those who transferred, retired, and sadly those who passed away. As my departure date rapidly approaches, I find myself thinking about all the people from Dobbins whom I was so very fortunate to have met and served with. Thank you. I've often been asked, "What's your leadership philosophy?" Here are a few personal things that have worked for me: 1. Everyday make an investment in you. Do something physical, mental, and spiritual. Exercise the body, mind, and spirit. 2. Help someone every day. No matter how small, we owe it to ourselves to help each other. (Pay it forward) 3. Treat others better than you want to be treated. Kindness costs nothing to give, but could mean the world to someone who needs it. 4. Always assume you are not the smartest person in the room, you'll be amazed at how much others know. 5. Be humble. Even hard work and talent need luck. 6. Let silence be your friend. It's okay to just listen. 7. Never compromise your integrity. Once it's gone, it's gone. 8. It's never really as bad as it seems. 9. Bad news never gets better with time. 10. Don't tell people what they can't do, rather tell them how the can. 11. Everyday, try to be better than you were yesterday. It's been an honor and privilege serving with you as your vice commander. I know I am a better person and officer for having had this opportunity. I hope I have served you well. Until next time.... Col. Richard Kemble is featured in the January 2014 issue of the Falcon Flyer, magazine of the 94th Airlift Wing. Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga.
