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JBSA News
NEWS | Jan. 14, 2019

Retired Gen. Mark Welsh speaks at first AETC Talks

By 2nd Lt. Christian Eberhardt 502 Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Retired Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, former Air Force chief of staff, was the inaugural speaker for Air Education and Training Command’s latest leadership initiative, AETC Talks, which took place Jan. 11 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph’s Fleenor Auditorium.

The presentation, free for all attendees, was the first in a series of discussions that aims to help leaders grow and succeed.

At the beginning of his presentation, Welsh pointed out the significance of a discussion on leadership taking place at Fleenor Auditorium, a primary place of gathering for installation members since the completion of the main building, the Taj, in 1931.

“The great part about coming back to JBSA-Randolph is that it’s timeless – the Taj doesn’t seem to change,” Welsh said. “It’s a foundation for our Air Force and that’s what I love about being here. Thank you for what you’ve built, I hope you’re as proud of it as I am.”

Throughout the presentation Welsh used six photos of remarkable men and women to convey six lessons on leadership that included how to define success, determine what matters and develop expectations.

“You have people around you every day who do remarkable things, who say remarkable things and who care about each other,” Welsh said. “Notice them first, write down the lesson they taught you and remember the moment. I promise, you’ll start to see the same things I do. They’ll move you.”

Despite many positive and rewarding experiences as the CSAF, Welsh acknowledged that leadership is sometimes difficult. He encouraged those considering a transition from leadership to reconsider.    

“Leadership hurts but you should lead anyways because it matters,” Welsh said. “Everyone in this room deserves a leader that cares.”

The message was delivered to an audience of more than 700 Air Force members, which represented a multitude of occupations, ranks and experiences. Yet the wisdom is intended to go even further.

“AETC Talks is a program we’ve initiated here at JBSA-Randolph, but the speakers’ message is intended to reach Airmen, both in AETC and throughout the Air Force,” said Maj. Mitchell Wood, AETC Command Action Group event project officer. “It all began as an AETC Senior Leader initiative with the intent of having some of the most successful people in their respective fields engage, inspire and motivate our Airmen.”

To share in the experience, make sure to watch the full presentation by visiting https://youtu.be/1b7D5ltojMY/.

“We will continue to invite top-notch leaders who either are or have made a difference in the world,” Wood said. “Although our venue is small and not everyone will be able to witness the speakers in person, we encourage everyone to take advantage of the provided videos to listen and watch after the event.”

A schedule of upcoming speakers for 2019 will be available soon.