MTL recognized for demonstrating leadership qualities

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Laura R. McFarlane
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Col. Kimberlee P. Joos, 17th Training Wing Commander, coined Tech. Sgt. Daniel W. Baggett, 312th Training Squadron military training leader, Oct. 6 recognizing him for his leadership demonstration.

Before the Air Force Ball Sept. 19, Baggett addressed the student members of the 312th TRS and asked if any of them were interested in attending the ball, hinting at sponsored tickets without letting on that five of the tickets purchased were from him.

"I define a leader as someone who first: does not walk by a problem; second: does the right thing-even when no one is looking; and third: a leader is not defined by always personally finishing first, but instead a leader ensures everyone finishes and is successful," said Joos. "Tech. Sgt. Baggett is an outstanding example of a leader, and I am proud to be his Wing Commander."

Joos was not the only individual who remarked on Baggett's leadership.

"[It's the] mark of a leader; true and silent," said Chief Master Sgt. Thomas F. Good, 17th TRW Command Chief. "Most of all, because it is the right thing to do."

The students who took advantage of this opportunity were unaware at the time that Baggett and not one of the base organizations had bought the tickets.

"I didn't know that he had personally paid for it out of his pocket," said Airman 1st Class Richard A. Green, 312th TRS student. "I thought it was paid for by the [Air Force] sergeants association."

This isn't Baggett's first time doing this. Over the last five years, he has sponsored a total of 20 Airmen.

"I sponsored these Airmen because I believe that it is important to show the Airmen our heritage and allow them the opportunity to experience all aspects of the military," said Baggett.

Baggett hopes that the young Airmen will take his example into their careers.

"I personally take pride in being part of the greatest military in the world and if I can instill the importance of heritage in these Airmen, they will continue on this tradition when they become supervisors," added Baggett

In addition to the heritage the students experienced, the Airmen got the opportunity to meet and talk with officers in a social environment.

"It's really good for young Airmen to go to the ball," said Airman 1st Class Slobodan B. Bojic, 312th TRS student. "You have a chance to talk to [high-ranking] officers. In this case, one of the major generals came to see and talk to us. It's nice to have that relaxed conversation with the officers as well as meet your commanders, not just the base commander and squadron commands ... we could meet pretty much everybody who is important including [community leaders] outside the base."

The opportunity to converse with the officers in a non-training environment provided a new perspective for the students.

"The officers at our table were curious to know about us," said Green. "They were intrigued by us, which was a very bizarre experience because normally it's the other way around."