Outstanding Airmen accompany Moody’s top leaders to Capitol Hill

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Every year, one junior Airman and one junior officer are chosen to accompany Moody's top leaders to Capitol Hill.

This year, Senior Airman Albert Scott Jr., 23rd Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller, and Capt. Jonathan Schulz, 23rd Maintenance Group executive officer, were chosen to accompany Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. Frank Batten, 23rd WG command chief, on a visit to Capitol Hill.

"It is good for Airmen to see how the commander and the command chief interact with Congress," said Airman Scott. "It makes you proud of your country and the Air Force mission.

"It is important especially for Airman," he added. "Our scope of vision is narrow. We don't see the big picture. We just complete the mission, often times without knowing why. It opens your eyes a lot. I gained respect for the decision makers and the decision making process."

Staff Sgt. Cory Lindblom, 23rd OSS air traffic control automations specialist, is Airman Scott's supervisor and has a similar opinion of the program.

"I think it is important on both sides of the fence for leaders to get Airman Scott's input, and for Airman Scott to see leadership and the process of decision-making," said Sergeant Lindblom. "It also shows leaders the face of an Airman."

In 1998 the Chief Staff of the Air Force directed that commanders annually visit Congress in D.C.

"The main goal of the trip is to make sure that decision makers understand the priorities of the Air Force," said Chief Batten. "The visit is critical to congressional relations.

"The wing commander can choose three people to accompany him," he added. "The command chief is one of these people, as well as a junior Airman and a junior officer."

The commander and the command chief were looking for a specific type of Airman to represent the Air Force on the trip.

"We wanted an Airman that was doing bigger and better things," said Chief Batten. "We wanted someone who was poised, professional and who wouldn't jumble up his words when around officers and congressional members."

Sergeant Lindblom felt that Airman Scott, who was also Airman of the Year for the 23rd Fighter Group, was the right Airman for the trip.

"He is active in every aspect of the Airman concept," said Sergeant Lindblom. "He comes to work early and stays late. When off-duty, he goes to school and volunteers. Airman Scott is one of the few troops that are truly stellar."

For Airman Scott, the experience is one that will continue to motivate him as an Airman.

"Being chosen was a great honor," said Airman Scott. "I am very appreciative, and it makes me want to expand and work even harder. It was a very motivating experience."

Today's Air Force is always changing. The annual visit to Capitol Hill is one way the Air Force can ensure that decision makers understand the priorities of the Air Force.

An important aspect of this is getting input from Airmen at all levels. Airmen like Captain Schulz and Airman Scott, who strive to be the best, represented Moody Airmen during the visit.