Meet your new leadership: Lt. Col. Kyle Wilson, 39th OSS commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eboni Reams
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  This summer brought in many new faces to Incirlik AB. Many of these Airmen are new squadron commanders, group commanders and even a vice wing commander. To help members of Team Incirlik gain a better understanding of who their leadership is and what their expectations may be, the 39th Air Base Wing public affairs office, is releasing a series of personality features on our new leaders.

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

Answer: I joined the Air Force to become a pilot. I continue to serve because I want to make a difference with our Airmen.

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

A: My proudest achievement is becoming the first B-1B Lancer pilot to return to flying status after overcoming Stage IIIB colon cancer. After I was returned to flying status, I went on to fly 77 combat missions.

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

A: Col. Raymond Strasburger. Serving under his command was one of the most challenging, yet most rewarding assignments of my career. He holds his people to the highest possible standards but would never ask anyone to accomplish a task he wasn't willing to do himself. He had the remarkable ability to make everyone feel like they could make a difference and were integral in accomplishing the mission.

Q: 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?

A: I joined Air Force ROTC late in my sophomore year of college. I had an uphill road to climb in order to overcome missing the first two years of ROTC. I was late to the fight but was able to use that to my advantage. It taught me to approach a problem from a non-standard angle.

Q: What is your personal mission statement?

A: If something is worth doing, it's worth doing right - the first time.

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

A: My values and ethics are directly in line with the Air Force core values of integrity, service, and excellence. What I expect is very simple, be honest and do your best.

Q: What is your strategic vision for your organization?

A: Establish and maintain the 39th Operations Support Squadron as the benchmark squadron within the 39th Air Base Wing.

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

A: My goals are to develop my Airmen. I want to help them improve their time management skills, cross-functional knowledge, and strategic thinking.

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

A: I expect my Airmen to make fitness a priority. Airmen are part of our weapons system and they have to maintain their health and wellness in order to successfully execute the mission. I also expect my Airmen to take ownership in their own career and leadership development.

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

A: I have one mission expectation for the 39th OSS. Operations will be mission ready when our nation or NATO calls for our help.

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

A: It is an honor to serve as the commander of the 39th Operations Support Squadron. I've been in command for two months now and I'm impressed everyday by the hard work and dedication I see in all the Hodjas here at Incirlik Air Base.