An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

USAFCENT command chief visits 'The Rock'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing showed the U.S. Air Forces Central Command's senior enlisted leader a warm welcome Jan. 13-15, as he experienced a tour of operations here at an air base affectionately known as "The Rock."

This was Chief Master Sgt. Mark Villella's first visit to the base, located in Southwest Asia, since becoming the USAFCENT command chief in December 2009.

"I've met a ton of great people on my travels through the [area of responsibility]," he said, "and I do my best to get to know them. It's great to see how much they care about the mission and how proud they are of what they do. Each Airman plays an important role in the big picture and I think they realize that."

The Chief used the finance career field as an example of how even those jobs not directly on the frontline impact those Airmen serving on the frontline and are therefore, just as critical to the mission.

"If my pay is messed up, my mind's not going to be focused on the mission and the mission is going to suffer," he said. "Everyone's job is interlinked. Every Airman has a purpose and an important role in our Air Force. We just need to remain positive and proactive."

The 27-year Air Force veteran also advised Airmen in the AOR not to count the days, but to make the days count.

"Make every day count and make every day meaningful," he said. "It's important to stay mission-focused, but don't lose touch with the little things in life either."

The Chief recalled an Airman from a previous deployment in Southwest Asia who made time each day to get out of the office and watch the sunset.

"It's important to make time for you and to find that balance," he said.

During the command chief's visit, he spoke with Airmen from a broad spectrum of mission areas to include combat truckers, force protection, maintenance, civil engineering, medical, aerial port operations, security forces, base defense operations and the command post.

The Ortonville, Minn., native also spent time with key leaders throughout the base to include chief master sergeants, first sergeants and organizational leaders of the Top 3, 5/6, Rising 4 and honor guard.

During his talks, he shared his six-lettered enlisted priority list which includes:

- Always remember you're Airmen
- Balance (mind, body and soul)
- Capture the experiences of joint coalition partners and those around you
- Do the right thing and do things right
- Energy - project positive energy
- Fun - Have fun and enjoy life, you only have one take

"All of these aspects should be priority," he said. "Balance is especially important out here. A lot of people hurt themselves because they've lost that balance of mind, body and soul. While our main focus is on the mission, especially in the AOR, it's important not to lose touch with those other aspects of our lives. Make time to call or Skype your family back home, find ways to relax in your off [duty] hours."

The chief also stressed to Airmen the need to capture the experiences of those military members serving alongside them.

"I've learned a lot from some of the sergeant majors I've crossed paths with," he said, "in fact, I use examples I've heard from them quite a bit. Even walking around the base today, I've learned a lot from the Airmen I've met. You have to take the time to get to know the people around you."

When it comes to career success, which includes some unique milestones for an Air Force senior NCO, to include qualifying as a U.S. Army Ranger, Master Parachutist, Air Assault and Rappel Master, High Altitude Low Opening Master Parachutist and U.S. Navy Combat Diver, the chief said there are a few golden rules he has always followed.

"The first is to be positive and proactive," he said. "Being positive gets you results; while being negative does nothing but close doors. The second thing is to lead from the front. Airmen like to see their leadership in action. This sets the stage for success."

The chief said his final golden rule is to "be an obstacle remover as opposed to an obstacle in-placer."

"Many times you find a person's first response is no," he said. "This isn't always the right answer. There are many things you can work around within the confines of an [Air Force Instruction]. You have to look at the spirit and intent of that AFI."

The chief added that this rule also goes hand-in-hand with networking and building relationships.

"It's important to get to know those around you," he said. "When you grow relationships with people, they are willing to invest time and energy into helping you. We should all make it a point to get to know our brothers and sisters in arms."

As the USAFCENT command chief, Chief Villella advises the commander, Lt. Gen. Gilmary M. Hostage III, and staff on matters influencing the health, welfare, morale, and effective utilization of assigned enlisted personnel. As the Air Component of United States Central Command, USAFCENT's mission is to develop contingency plans and conduct air operations at seven Air Expeditionary Wings and two Advisory and Assistance Wings in a 20-nation area of responsibility.