"I am extremely excited and motivated to be working with the people in Headquarters. We have a group of talented Airmen and I look forward to the future."
By: Chief MSgt. Webster F. Brown II, Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL), DC HQ Air National Guard.
Chief Master Sgt. Webster F. Brown II, Senior Enlisted Leader, DC Air National Guard
HQ/DCANG PA is doing a communications campaign to introduce our newest members to the unit. We are calling it “Know Your Support Staff (KYSS)”.
This month we are pleased to introduce the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Headquarters DC Air National Guard, Chief Master Sgt Webster F. Brown II. Chief Brown’s background brings a wealth of experience and dedication to this role.
In His Words
What inspired you to pursue a career in the Air Force?
What originally inspired me to pursue a career in the Air National Guard was the many signing perks offered, due to my Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery/ASVAB scores, qualifying me for the corresponding career fields. I was in the Marine Corps Reserves at the time and they did not offer nearly as much. I loved the Corps, but I felt the Air National Guard was better suited to help me achieve my life goals.
How do you approach mentoring and developing junior enlisted personnel?
I approach mentoring and developing junior enlisted personnel by getting to know the individual Airmen first. There are certain fundamentals and knowledge every Airmen needs, but they do not all have the same motivations or goals. Flexibility helps me customize and tweak my approach where needed to really reach Airmen and help them succeed.
What is your approach to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment?
My approach to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment is initially the same as my approach to mentoring and developing. You got to take the time to get to know your people. You also have to be fair across the board, consistent, hold everyone accountable—including yourself—be transparent where appropriate, show grace when needed, and treat every human being with the utmost respect.
How do you stay updated with the latest developments and changes in the Air National Guard?
I normally stay updated with the latest developments and changes in the Air National Guard through emails, discussions, media alerts, group chats, or direct phone calls and texts.
What are your strategies for effectively communicating and collaborating with personnel at different levels within the organization?
My strategies for effectively communicating and collaborating with personnel at different levels within the organization begin by simply speaking with people and getting to know them. I try to always maintain a professional, honest, respectful, and sincere dialogue with my colleagues no matter their rank or position. If these are all in place, collaborations are smoother, and mission success is all but guaranteed.
How do you balance the needs and expectations of HQ with the challenges faced by personnel at the grassroots level?
I am new to Headquarters and still getting my bearings and getting to know Airmen I did not previously know well. When it comes to balancing the needs and expectations of Headquarters with the challenges faced by personnel at the grassroots level, I am relying heavily on Senior Master Sgt. Nancy Reyes, who was the acting senior enlisted leader prior to my arrival. She is a linchpin of stability, consistency, and overall knowledge of Headquarters. I also do make sure the basic needs of the Airmen are met and maintain open communications with them.
What is something you want your fellow DC National Guard members to know about you?
At this point in my career with the DC National Guard, I am not sure if there is anything my fellow members do not already know about me. I want them to know that I truly care about our members—both Army and Air. I care about our mission, and I care about DC.
I am extremely excited and motivated to be working with the people in Headquarters. We have a group of talented Airmen and I look forward to the future.