Team Vance thrives on trust, working together Published Nov. 28, 2006 By Lt. Col. Jon Welch 71st Medical Support Squadron Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- Having arrived here at Vance Air Force Base in June 2003, I am quickly approaching the end of my two-year tour. In just a few short months, I will be moving on to my next assignment at Whiteman AFB, Mo. Perhaps like some of you, I wasn't a volunteer to come to Vance, but only because I didn't know anything about it. Vance has turned out to be one of my very best assignments. I can't say enough good about the great people I get to work with every day, especially within my own squadron, and the wonderful community support we have here. Borrowing from the mantra of the Air Force Medical Service, it truly has been a "privilege" and a "pleasure" to serve here. From my very first day here, I noticed the frequent use of the phrase "Team Vance." I quickly came to see that it wasn't just a worn out cliché. More than anywhere else I've been stationed, I've seen teamwork in action every day and felt part of that "team." What makes us different? Maybe it's because we're a small base or because of the training mission. Maybe it's because of the high-caliber, professional military, civilian and contract personnel assigned here. Or maybe it's because of the friendly nature and openness of the permanent residents of this area. Whatever makes us unique, I feel fortunate to be a part of this team. Teamwork blends together all the efforts of each player on the team for a net result that far exceeds what any of us could accomplish working on our own. Effective teamwork requires trust and respect. Reflecting on our Air Force core values, Gen. Michael E. Ryan, former Air Force Chief of Staff, defined trust as the "unbreakable bond that unifies the force." He went on to say that "trust enables everything we do -- trust that when a job is signed off, it's complete and it's right. Trust that when a wingman says he's got you covered, you're covered. It's trust that allows each of us to concentrate our energy on doing our job, knowing those around us are doing theirs." As a new medical service corps officer, I attended the 12-week health services administration course at Sheppard AFB, Texas. The curriculum included playing volleyball. At first I didn't understand why that would be part of our training. It seemed like something fun to do at the end of the day. As we played together on teams, however, lessons of teamwork, leadership and trust became evident. As is common with any team sport, there was that one "superstar" player on the team that excelled individually, but inhibited effective teamwork by wanting to play every position on the court. In his ambition to "win" he failed to trust the other players to do their part. He was all over the court trying to "assist" others. Not only did this interfere with other players being able to contribute effectively, on more than one occasion he was not at his position to do his part. Excessive or unnecessary interference also shows a lack of respect. Team Vance is comprised of many diverse elements. We have student pilots and their instructors; maintainers, controllers, and others who provide very direct support to the flight line. Beyond that we have security forces, finance, personnel, weather and medical professionals -- the list goes on and on. Most of these areas of specialty require specific education and intense technical training that make their contributions unique. As much as I might want to, I am not qualified to be an instructor pilot, I can't treat patients at the clinic, or control air traffic. In order to optimize the effectiveness of our team, we must recognize the singular contributions that each individual makes and respect them for the capabilities they provide. A great man named Paul (who?) once compared a group of individuals or a team to the human body. He wrote that the body is made up of many members. Just because the foot isn't the hand, the foot can't say that it isn't part of the body. Likewise, the ear can't say that because it isn't the eye that it isn't part of the body. And if the whole body were an eye, how would the body hear? If the whole body were an ear, who would do the smelling? In other words we all have our own unique purpose or piece of the mission that is important to the overall functioning of the team. Paul went on to say that the eye can't say to the hand, I don't need you; neither can the head say the same to the feet. Just as the contributions of each member are important to the overall performance of the body, the role each of us plays is vital to accomplishing our mission at Vance. As we trust and show respect for each member of "Team Vance" we will be more strongly united in purpose and our important mission will continue to be accomplished in an outstanding manner.