Meet your leadership: Maj. Hardy Giles 39th FSS 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 was young and immature and needed direction so I enlisted. I continue to serve because I love everything about the Air Force. The lifestyle, discipline, camaraderie, and leadership opportunities make it the best place to be.

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

A: Getting my commission after almost 11 years as an enlisted member.

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: Just recently I was the executive officer for Col. Jeff Yocum at NORTHCOM J1 (Manpower and Personnel Directorate). He has super high standards, held us to them, but gave plenty of grace when we made honest mistakes.

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: Of course. Being a section commander in a huge civil engineer squadron as a first lieutenant was extremely eye-opening and quickly following that with a rotation on a four-star Commander's Action Group let me see life from a much higher view.

Q: What is your personal mission statement?

A: What I ask of my folks, "Have a great attitude and give me a 110 percent everyday"

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

A: Honesty, integrity, compassion, courage, honor, responsibility, respect, and fairness. I expect this of myself and our Airmen.

Q: What is your strategic vision for your organization?

A: Provide the best personnel support, education services, family programs and Professional Military Education while simultaneously operating the full spectrum of morale, welfare, and recreation services for the Incirlik Air Base community.

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

A: To give my squadron very clear direction, hold everyone accountable, and lead with energy, compassion, showing them true servant leadership.

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

A: My priorities: Mission first, people always, responsiveness, innovation/creativity, culture of readiness. If we do all that, we'll get the mission done and take great care of our customers.

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

A: Simply, I expect them to understand our mission and keep that at the forefront as they go about daily business, which can sometimes seem mundane and not tie directly to the mission.

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

A: This is a dream come true. Starting out as an Airman Basic 25 years ago and being a squadron commander is unbelievable, and I don't want to squander this amazing opportunity and privilege.