LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- As part of Air Education and Training Command’s “Airmen” theme for July, Staff Sgt. Otis Williams III, 47th Flying Training Wing NCO in charge of religious affairs, shares his insight into what it’s like to be part of the Airman family.
When asked about what being an Airman meant to him, Williams was quick to be appreciative of the path the Air Force has put him on.
“Everything!” Williams exclaimed. “The Air Force is all I know. I graduated from high school and enlisted that same summer. I wanted a better living and to be an example to my younger brother.”
As part of everyday life, Williams believes no two people are the same, therefore they have to play to their own strengths.
“An Airman needs to have a positive attitude,” Williams said. “Notice, I did not say a specific attitude, just a positive attitude. I do not believe there is one ‘cookie cutter’ attitude that an Airman needs to have.”
“The beautiful thing about the Air Force is that we are diverse – an individual Airman who has a positive attitude can use their unique traits to benefit the needs of the Air Force,” he said.
Williams said if he could give a piece of advice to Airmen he suggested they keep an eye out for their peers as well as themselves.
"Take responsibility not only for yourself but others as well,” Williams said. “The way I do this is to truly care for Airmen. The NCO’s creed states that ‘the key is empathy not apathy.’”
Williams enlisted more than 14 years ago and still has a huge determination to support Airmen and their families day in, day out through serving the chapel and building meaningful relationships.