Lone Star Emergency Services Academy, A Leader's View, 21-28 June

BIG SANDY, Texas – The unsung member of the LESA staff was Lt Col Brooks Cima, who was not only the overall Academy Commander, but also the Incident Commander for the week-long USAF mission that all school commandants used for sign-offs. Somehow, she multiplied herself and seemed to be everywhere at the same time. Given that Texas Wing was "learning" the new facility, and relationships hadn't quite reached a relaxed comfort point, just being the Academy Commander was a full-time job. Coupled to that, with air and ground crew activity at a high rate, equipment demands, scheduling crammed into the available hours and aircraft, logistics complicated by one reason or another, Internet access slowing down the online administrative tools, and the occasional bad weather stretch that grounded air assets, being the IC was also a full-time job. "How do you do it?" I asked her one day. She smiled, "I delegate."

Delegating only goes so far, though. Hard work was more like it. She was an inspiration to us all, as she never complained and treated everyone with courtesy and respect. Some issues must have exasperated her, I'm sure, but she never let on that they had. Her leadership and "can do" attitude were a model for all, and the students noticed. She was always busy and going, yet she always had a moment to drop a kind word and a smile. Leadership.

As seen by this commandant, who had the difficult task of preparing students at different levels of achievement to do a job that requires demanding and broad-based study and practice, it set a standard of excellence that was difficult to ignore. The PAO/IO School asked that all students, before attending the school, study a series of written documents, including the main regulation, CAPR 190-1. Not all did. Those who had profited readily, while the few who hadn't reacted in various ways, at times unproductive. Having to sweep over fundamentals that should have been learned before attending the course took valuable time that couldn't be found elsewhere. Time is an irrecoverable resource. Eventually, each one leveled off.

The article bylined by C/TSgt Christian Nelson was written by the PAO/IO School's Distinguished Graduate. The commandant had to pick one and only one student, and Cadet Nelson's work had been comparable to that of two senior members. However, his youth and relative inexperience, as well as his positive attitude and willingness to pitch in even when not asked did the trick. So he took the prize. This is an honor that doesn't go anywhere, since the School was really a pass/fail affair. However, in being recognized for an extraordinary effort and a well-used mind, Cadet Nelson took home the knowledge that he could do anything he set his sights on. And he has a LESA Challenge Coin to show for it.

No, he isn't perfect, neither has he arrived at his peak, but the right ingredients are there. Only time will tell.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO/IO School Commandant