New MSG Commander says people are first priority Published March 28, 2011 By Connie Hempel 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - -- A new commander assumed the reigns of the 17th Mission Support Group Monday during a ceremony in front of the Norma Brown building. Col. Paul Bugenske said his number one priority as the MSG Commander is people. "That shouldn't be too much of a surprise," he said. Although the Defense Department has been faced with budget constraints that have limited resources, both in terms of supplies and people, he said he's ready for the challenge of doing more without more. "In an environment where (operations and maintenance) dollars are being cut, driving reduced contractor support, coupled with limits on military and civilian dollars and a long-term high deployment operations tempo, finding the right mix isn't going to be easy," he said. "Now how do we intend to overcome these challenges? Simple, with our number one priority and resource: people." Even with limited numbers, the colonel said he's learned throughout his career that by empowering people to express their ideas and creativity, they have unlimited potential. "I learned a lesson several years ago about leading people," Col. Bugenske said. "It's a three step process. First, find the best and brightest people in your organization; the work horses that are in every organization, the ones who seem to thrive when given opportunities and challenges. Second, provide them with direction. The final step - and sometimes the most difficult - get out of their way." Although he has a broad 30-year Air Force experience, he said it isn't what he brings to the table that results in success, "it's the collective power of the squadron commanders, civilians, chiefs, superintendents, first sergeants, NCOs and most of all, the Airmen that reside in the organization." He believes continuing a strong and positive relationship with the San Angelo community will also help the MSG successfully meet its mission. "While the 17th MSG is trained and positioned to meet its mission of developing America's Airmen, it's the strong and positive relationship with the city of San Angelo that enables us to do it better," he said. "Goodfellow and the city of San Angelo have a long, positive historical relationship. We look forward to becoming a part of this relationship as active members in the Team Goodfellow community." Col. Bugenske comes to Goodfellow from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., where he served as the Director of Contracting. Prior to that assignment, the colonel held numerous leadership positions throughout the Air Force.
