AFDW Command Chief discusses strength in diversity at ANGRC

Photo By Master Sgt. John Hillier | Air National Guard Readiness Center Command Chief Master Sgt. Tony L. Whitehead presents his personal coin to Air Force District of Washington Command Chief Master Sgt. Farrell D. Thomas speaks following Thomas's presentation on his career and finding strength in diversity at the Air National Guard Readiness Center, Joint Base Andrews, Md., April 17, 2015. Chief Thomas was part of the ANGRC Diversity Council Speaker Series, which brings individuals from diverse backgrounds to speak with ANGRC Airmen about their experiences. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman John E. Hillier/RELEASED)  

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD, UNITED STATES

04.17.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. John Hillier 

Air National Guard

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. - Air Force District of Washington Command Chief Master Sgt. Farrell D. Thomas spoke at the Air National Guard Readiness Center here April 17 about his career, experiences and diversity in the total force.

Thomas appeared as part of the ANGRC Diversity Council Speaker Series, which brings individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures to share their skills and experiences with ANGRC Airmen.

Thomas emphasized the need for leaders to understand their people on more than just a surface level in order to tackle issues that can be uncomfortable to discuss.

"As a leader in the Air Force, you have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable," Thomas said. "And if you're not, then you're not leading as effectively as you could be."

Including diverse viewpoints in each step of the decision-making process was another focus of Thomas's presentation.

"I want a diverse crowd around me," said Thomas. "I really believe it makes us stronger. Whether it's by [Air Force Specialty Code]; active, Guard or Reserve, you name it. Because I learn something from them every day."

That mindset was sparked during a 2009 deployment to Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, which opened Thomas's eyes to the strengths that each total force component contributes to the mission.

"I was told 'you're going to be the new superintendent,' but I knew nothing about Guard and Reserve - nothing," said Thomas. "But we started working together, and that's when you gain an appreciation for diversity across the board, because everybody brought a different skill set to the table."

• Date Taken: 04.17.2015
• Date Posted: 04.27.2015 13:35
• Story ID: 161384
• Location: JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD, US