The Editor's Vault: CMSAF Andrews believed in leadership by example Published Feb. 27, 2014 By Annette Crawford Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Editor's note: In 1982, I was a staff sergeant stationed at the 375th Aeromedical Airlift Wing public affairs office at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Scott was my first assignment in public affairs, having retrained from the medical career field. Scott was home to Headquarters Military Airlift Command, now known as Air Mobility Command. I had the opportunity to interview Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Arthur L. "Bud" Andrews when he visited Scott in conjunction with Air Force Association Night at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Andrews served as chief master sergeant of the Air Force from 1981 to 1983. Find out more about his career here. The following article was published in "The Command Post," the Scott AFB newspaper, on July 23, 1982. As Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Arthur L. "Bud" Andrews is at the peak of his enlisted career. But despite the fact he has attained this highly competitive position, CMSAF Andrews still strives for more - both in his personal life and for everyone in the Air Force. "There is always another step on the ladder of our mission - the ladder of success and achievement," he said. "Never say 'I have reached my peak.' I have not reached my peak as chief master sergeant of the Air Force," he declared. "My goal now is to make that position better than what it was when I came in." To do this, the 28-year veteran follows his most important theme - leadership by example. "I believe it's the only way you and I can prevent paramount problems. Let's say I was to walk around with a slightly disheveled uniform - maybe no one would say anything, but they would notice." Even though no one may comment on his appearance, the chief feels it would be a "cardinal sin" for him to set such an example. While stressing the importance of senior leadership, CMSAF Andrews emphasized that not everyone can be a leader. "We all can't be leaders - just a few. Leaders are not born; they are molded by a multitude of things," he said. Leaders of tomorrow, he explained, must be followers today. Before he became a leader, CMSAF Andrews said he looked up to people who respected their uniform and country, and displayed integrity, character and commitment. To become that type of person, he believes everyone should attend professional military education classes. "It should not be considered as just another school, TDY or square to fill. It's a step in the success process of someone's career. "It may not make you a leader, but it will make you a better person," he said. "I applaud those who take that extra step and volunteer for school." According to CMSAF Andrews, PME is one of the many benefits Air Force members have, in addition to other educational opportunities. While the benefits are nice, the Air Force's top chief says Air Force personnel should wear their uniform for one specific purpose - to preserve the national defense and liberties we all enjoy. "I don't have a job in the United States Air Force - I have a calling. I don't work for a company - I work for an institution," he said. "I think if you have that kind of thought process, the mission will be first and foremost." However, that doesn't mean the money and benefits aren't important, he continued. "If the senior leadership in today's Air Force had a magic wand, I'm convinced there wouldn't be such concern about benefits today," he said. "But the power to grant these benefits doesn't belong to the Air force. It's up to Congress. "The bottom line is - the senior leadership in today's Air Force is very supportive and concerned about our quality of life." CMSAF Andrews said it's easy to blame lack of pay raises and benefits on the service. "Saying 'The Air Force did it to us again' is not true. Part of our benefits depend on involvement," the chief explained. "Individually, we need to take inventory. How many of us took the time to write our congressional representatives and thank them for their support? "We need to be in tune to what we want and know who in our congressional system supports us," he said, adding that the congressman's platform is important. "We need to be more involved, not emotionally, but rationally," the chief said. Aug. 1 marks his first year in office, and the chief has traveled extensively. His wife, Shirley, a physical therapist and a coordinator for the Visiting Nurses Association in the Washington, D.C., area, travels with him on several occasions. But sometimes her schedule is as busy as her husband's. Even though he travels, the Boston native says being gone has not placed a great strain on his family life. "My wife knew only too well what my job entailed," he commented. "She readily accepts it without any reservations, as does my family. You just don't accept this type of job without discussing it with your family first." His calling will continue for another year, and he intends to take the advice of his predecessor, retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James M. McCoy - "Enjoy it! It's going to be gone before you know it." But he still strives for more, even at the top. "When you're satisfied with what you have and don't shoot for more, you lose sight of the big picture. Never be complacent!" he concluded. "The Editor's Vault" takes a look at articles written by retired Master Sgt. Annette Crawford throughout a career in public affairs that began in 1982. Stories are run exactly as they were written at the time of publication; if there are words or terms that are unfamiliar, or if the writing style doesn't seem consistent with other articles in the newsletter, that's why.