Feature Search

Know your shirt: 36th MDG first sergeant gets back to basics

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Miranda Moorer
  • 36 Wing Public Affairs
Leadership at every level should be focused on ensuring that the Air Force is operating with core values in mind.

"Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do are the basic tenants every Airman, E-1 through O-10, has agreed to live by; yet this is our greatest fight ever," said Master Sgt. Lonny Bower, 36th Medical Group first sergeant. "It's time to get back to the basics."

Although Sergeant Bower believes it is important individuals who fail to live up to the core values should be weeded out, he says this is the hardest part of his job.

"There is no room in my Air Force for those who lie and tolerate lies; no room for those who continually place their personal agenda before the mission; and no room for anything less than excellence," he said. "Imagine the savings and end results of an Air Force that has truly taken in and lived out our own core values.

"The right thing is not always the easy thing, but nonetheless it must be done, all the time.".

Sergeant Bower stresses to his Airmen to stand tall and stand proud.

"You are an American Airman, a warrior -- failure is not an option," he said.

Sergeant Bower also wants his Airmen to know that his time is available to them and he vows to do his best to lead them in the right direction.

"He wants to help with any and everything," said Staff Sgt. Erica Washington, 36th Medical Operations Squadron NCOIC of dental laboratory. "If he can't do it, he'll find you someone who can. He's awesome."

Sergeant Bower spent the first 18 years of his career in the Munitions Systems Specialist field where he took much pride in being a part of a team that is responsible for maintaining the Air Force's entire munitions stockpile.

"Growing up in a very rewarding career field left a lasting mark for the good," he said. "I knew early on that what we did behind the fence had a global significance and impacted the lives of countless people."

The Air Force later asked Sergeant Bower to impact the lives of people from a different position. Through the First Sergeant Selection Process, Sergeant Bower accepted the role of being a first sergeant. He graduated from the First Sergeant Academy November 2005.

"What a great privilege to step out of one's career field, or stove-pipe, as its often referred to, and broaden ones perspective at every level of airmanship and leadership," he said.

Sergeant Bower is the first sergeant advisor for the Airmen's Advisory Council; vice president of the First Sergeants' Council; vice president of the chapel's Protestant Advisory Council; a pastor at the Church of God; Conservation Officer Coordinator for the First Sergeants' Quarterly Hotspot tournament; and he serves periodically at the Magellan Inn Dining Facility.

Sergeant Bower is also a licensed preacher with the Church of God in Cleveland, Tenn. He hopes to encourage others through his Christian faith.

"I am not ashamed of the gospel message of my Lord Jesus," he said. "He transformed my life and I always share my testimony with anyone willing to listen. Part of the first sergeant's job is to refer those who are in need, and at the top of my list is my Lord Jesus."

Sergeant Bower said his favorite part about being a first sergeant is the opportunity to work with, help, mentor and learn from Airmen.

Airman 1st Class Whitney Hodge, 36th MDG outpatient records technician, said, "He is helpful; he looks out for his Airman and stands behind them no matter what...well, unless you get a DUI (driving under the influence)."


This article is the third in a series of articles based on getting to know the first sergeant...