Meet your leadership: 39th MXS commander, Maj. John C. Mora

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Battles
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
The 39th Air Base Wing units are led by hand-picked commanders here and at geographically-separated groups and squadrons across the region. This series of features gives an inside look at those leaders and their leadership style. This feature highlights the 39th Maintenance Squadron commander, Maj. John C. Mora.

Question: Why did you decide to join the Air Force and why do you continue to serve?

Answer: I was an enlisted member in the Army and wanted to be a commissioned officer. I craved a different leadership challenge. That challenge was to not only help enlisted members, but try to shape the mission at a tactical or strategic-level. The Air Force provided that experience for me and not only enabled me to serve; it satisfies my leadership challenge and takes care of my family. But I have never forgotten where I come from. 

Question: What is one of your proudest achievements in your military career?

Answer: The day I assumed command of the 39th Maintenance Squadron.

Question: Is there a leader from your career that influenced you the most? If so, who, and how did they affect the way you lead?

Answer: The leader that has influenced my career was Lt. Col. Mark Sotallaro. He taught me how to schedule my workflow into an effective process. This process pays me back every day by giving time to the Airmen and my family that serve under me.

Question: Leaders often face a significant challenge or watershed moment early on in their careers that influence their formation as leaders. Did you have any moments like these that helped shape you into the leader you are today?

Answer:  No. Every day as a leader you are faced with these challenges. You continue to add leadership tools into your tool box based on each experience. The fun part is working through these challenges with a different dynamic of personalities each time.

Question: What is your personal mission statement?

Answer: Find the balance between mission and Airmen. 

Question: What values and ethics are the most important to you, and what do you expect from your Airmen?

Answer: Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

Question: What is your strategic vision for your organization?

Answer:  Developing Airmen to succeed in a constantly changing environment.

Question: What are your leadership goals as a commander while here at Incirlik?

Answer: To make the squadron and base a better place than when I arrived.

Question: What are some of your expectations for the Airmen you lead, and why?

Answer: My expectation is consistent communication up and down the chain of command.  It is an art to communicate in clear and concise manner. In today's world of tweets and emojis this skill is being lost. Leaders and mentors need to practice this skill with their Airmen. Ninety nine percent of our problems can be addressed and eventually fixed.

Question: What are your mission expectations from the units you lead?

Answer: Wherever and whenever ... we got this.

Question: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Answer: This tour has been an amazing experience. The base community and the Turkish partners have been awesome.