Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy speaks to Airmen during an all-call at the RAF Croughton Fitness Center March 12. Roy covered a variety of topics, from resiliency to force structure changes, before answering Airmen’s questions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Barton)
RAF CROUGHTON, United Kingdom - Staff Sgt. Isaac Adimora, 423rd Medical Squadron, provides an overview of the quality of life impacts generated by the RAF Upwood Clinic to Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy during his visit to the 501st Combat Support Wing March 12. Airmen from the wing’s three air base groups briefed Roy on how their limited scope medical treatment facilities contribute to the wing’s mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Barton)
RAF CROUGHTON, United Kingdom - Terence Moody, Ministry of Defence Police, describes security operations at the 421st Air Base Group to Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy March 12. Moody highlighted how MDP is responsible for the security to enable communications and intelligence at RAF Menwith Hill. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Barton)
RAF CROUGHTON, United Kingdom - Paula Roy, wife of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy, chats with Camilla Minarov, daughter of Staff Sgt. Zafar Minarov, 422nd Air Base Group, at the RAF Croughton Child Development Center March 12. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joel Mease)
RAF CROUGHTON, United Kingdom - Dolly Crooks, RAF Croughton Elementary School principal, speaks with Paula Roy, wife of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy, about a joint collaborative effort between the school and parents to continuously improve the skills and knowledge of all students. Crooks also briefed Roy on the challenges and opportunities presented by a small school. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joel Mease)
by Senior Airman Joel Mease
501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
3/13/2012 - ROYAL AIR FORCE CROUGHTON, United Kingdom -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy spoke to Airmen of the 501st Combat Support Wing and observed how the wing supports its mission partners during a site visit to RAF Croughton March 12.
This visit was the first opportunity for Chief Roy and his wife Paula to see some of the capabilities the 501st CSW has to offer, and he shared his first impression during an all-call.
"This is the first time we have been to the United Kingdom, and wow are we impressed," Roy said. "You have an outstanding operation."
One of the top concerns Roy has heard from Airmen is what will happen across the Air Force under the reduced fiscal year 13 budget.
"It's the hottest topic today, no matter what forum I'm in," Roy said. "Bottom line - we are going to have to change the way we operate, and take this as an opportunity to make positive changes."
Using the 501st as an example, Roy spoke of how customers only see the service provided, not the process required to accomplish that service.
"They oftentimes only see your final product, you are still going to provide that product," Roy said. "You can make a difference now by helping us prioritizing those requirements and refining your processes."
The chief said he also gets questions on the strategy for future Department of Defense operations.
"Yes, we are moving some assets to the Pacific; however, we are not giving up on our NATO partners," Roy said.
The chief said the partnerships we have cultivated with our European allies will continue to be important to the United States.
The chief also recognized that there are challenges facing Airmen across the Air Force.
"The numbers show sexual assaults are up, physical assaults are up and suicides are up. I take this personally" Roy said. "I don't know these Airmen personally but they are my Wingmen."
"This bothers me because a lot of us are trained to save lives. We need to look people in the eyes when we talk to them and remember it's a two-way street when we talk," Roy said. "I call it the art of confrontation; it's the art of sitting down and working though a situation."
Roy said that we have devolved from having analog discussions to using more and more digital communication methods. He said digital discussions like email and texting can't convey the nuance or deliver the same impact -- especially when talking with Wingmen about serious issues.
"Every life matters - so we need to look them in their eyes and have a discussion," Roy said. "They need to know you care about them and their families."
