JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
Senior Master Sgt. Eugene Scott was surrounded by violence, poverty and negative influences at an early age. He knew the cards were stacked against him, but credits prayer, hard work and determination as catalysts that pushed him through a rough upbringing toward success.
“I was afforded a 21-year career in the military that has yielded multiple college degrees and allowed me to see parts of the world I could’ve only dreamed of,” said the member of the Air Force Services Center Mission Operations Directorate. “To me, this proved people are products of the choices they make, not their environments.”
Scott oversees a $2.6 billion mission operations portfolio and leads a 105-person team that manages Air Force-level technical support, initiatives and training for 86 bases.
Although big-picture responsibilities are important, working with people and recognizing their potential and growth is as significant, and a fulfilling part of the job.
“A large amount of work can go into recognizing people but it is always more than worth it. Seeing the smiles of those who deserve it always has a profound effect on me and other division leaders,” he said.
“Knowing my efforts contribute not only to the well-being of our troops but also to the strengthening of our force is something I consider a calling rather than a job.”